| The mini-PACS (Picture Archive and | | | | that is capable of reading, processing and storing a |
| Communication System) as you are aware is a | | | | wide range of medical images in various modalities |
| type of PACS that is specific to one type of | | | | start at around $5000. |
| medical imaging modality, such as computed | | | | Granted, a lower-end PACS-RIS will have some |
| tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging | | | | limitations; however, it may be the best choice |
| (MRI). The current trend today is toward full | | | | for smaller clinics as it will allow the facility continue |
| PACS RIS integration however. This presents | | | | to provide much-needed patient services while |
| many advantages, as this will facilitate sharing of | | | | upgrading its equipment in stages as finances |
| these images over different platforms, improving | | | | allow. |
| diagnoses and allowing for greater opportunities | | | | Keep in mind that due to several factors, there is |
| for consultations when needed. | | | | currently a shortage of qualified radiologists. With |
| This process is already going on at large for-profit | | | | a web-based PACS possible to consult with a |
| medical centers and major university hospitals; | | | | radiologist almost anywhere in the country. It is |
| however, for smaller health care facilities and | | | | possible to add a radiology component to an |
| non-profits, often the decision is more complex. | | | | existing mini-PACS for a reasonable cost; in fact, |
| This is particularly true of specialty clinics and | | | | many such specialized systems have elements |
| radiology facilities that focus on one type of | | | | radiology imaging built-in. |
| medical issue and a single type of modality. Is it | | | | If yours in a clinic that deals with a single modality, |
| better to go with a mini-PACS that serves | | | | just be aware that because of economics, |
| present needs and deal with the problem of | | | | demographics and a greater need for efficiency, |
| integration when it comes, or should the facility | | | | the trend is toward full PACS integration; |
| make the costly investment of a full PACS-RIS? | | | | stand-alone applications will become increasingly |
| Fortunately, drops in the cost of technology have | | | | rare. Advance planning and some research into |
| made such components as the PACS server | | | | the various PACS options available will be of great |
| more affordable for smaller and less well-funded | | | | help for smaller clinics, non-profit facilities and even |
| clinics and health care facilities. The web-based | | | | private practices when it comes to preparation |
| PACS makes integration of older specialized | | | | for full PACS integration and the moving toward |
| systems much less expensive than even a few | | | | the establishment of a full-service facility. |
| years ago; prices on a fully-functional PACS-RIS | | | | |