Mesquite Diagnostics Imaging Center unveiled a new Agfa Picture Archival Communication System (PACS) for imaging studies in June 2008. This is a huge accomplishment as the implementation has been in planning stages for over a year at a cost of more than $1 million. PACS is a secure system that replaces hard copy film of images with digital images. The digital images are available to in the hospital and in physician offices via computer access. Each user has a unique user name and password that will give them access only to their patient’s information. With the exception of mammography and bone densitometry, studies done at Mesquite Diagnostics are automatically loaded onto the PACS system.
So how will it impact physicians, patients and employees? The biggest advantage is faster service. The digital image is available almost immediately after study is completed. It's also accessible. Studies and reports can be retrieved on workstations in physician offices with the appropriate level of secure access. The patient can also get a copy of the study on disc immediately after study for the referring physician. Providing PACS is a major accomplishment for Mesquite Diagnostics. This is yet another enhancement that will provide state-of-art technology for Mesquite and the surrounding communities.