Imaging IT Forecast: Sunny Skies with Clouds Ahead

However you feel about healthcare reform, one thing is certain—when it comes to IT, the forecast is clouds ahead. In today’s demanding environment, the benefits of cloud technology significantly outshine those of a traditional client/server systems for almost any hospital or physician practice, particularly in medical imaging. If you have not looked skyward, it’s high time you broadened your horizons.

What’s around the corner?  In today’s rapidly changing environment, a major benefit of cloud technology is that new and improved technologies are easily and cost-effectively available as needed to both large and small organizations.  To compete, successful cloud vendors must truly keep ahead of the technology curve by providing leading edge, feature- rich applications and other solutions.  That means users can leverage breaking technology without heavy investment in system upgrades, whether it’s the newest version of a HIS, RIS, PACS or billing software.  Hardware upgrades also are typically frequent to keep communication ultra-fast and your enterprise IT humming with efficiency.

Because many cloud systems are internet based or are optimized for access by multiple sites in multiple locations, they provide a simple, fast and cost-effective way to communicate with referring physicians, patients and to share health records and diagnostic images with other radiologists or clinicians for conferences and second opinions.  Supporting better, more efficient medicine, cloud technology minimizes retakes by easily enabling exams to follow patients who are transferred to other facilities or see various specialists. 

Remember, today the more things change, the more they often change again.  Therefore, as software upgrades become increasingly frequent, the squeeze on IT staff time can be considerable.  But, again cloud technology’s built-in maintenance provides an answer.  It  complements existing IT infrastructure without adding additional systems maintenance and administration of  upgrades, freeing up internal IT staff time.

Typically funded through ongoing monthly fees, cloud solutions shift IT costs from a capital expenditure to an operational budget.  They also often lower costs because users are buying into a solution from a specialized vendor to multiple sites, creating an economy of scale. 

What’s the down side to a move up to the sky?  Some sites prefer the philosophy of onsite IT ownership.  But vendors are often flexible and you may be able to get started with a flexible short term agreement.  There’s nothing to buy or install.  Try it—you just may like it.  After all, it’s the cloud, and nothing is written in stone.

Sectra User Meeting

We just returned from the IT and medical technology company, Sectra, User Meeting in Denver, CO. Luckily, we were treated to superb weather and escaped just in time avoid the city’s mid-May snowstorm. My colleague and I were there to help present CloudFlex, the integrated reporting and imaging system for telemammography.  You can learn more about this groundbreaking reporting and imaging solution in the cloud by reading Cat Vasko’s article in the March issue of ImagingBiz.

What a top-notch event! Held at the eclectic Curtis Hotel, the 3-day event was well-orchestrated with informative and educational sessions, excellent food, and entertaining activities.

Upon arrival, we knew we were in for a unique stay with the mid-century decor of this downtown hotel. Sporting orange retro lamps, an entire wall graced with giant Barbie doll heads, and Pharrell’s hip song “Happy” cued by motion sensors, this place makes it nearly impossible NOT to be happy during your stay. Check out my slideshow  to see for yourself. The common areas are cheerful, and the large outdoor patio and bar, complete with massive fireplace, was a great gathering spot. My room was on the Chick Flicks floor, where Charlie's Angels and Thelma and Louise rule. Other floors with “personality” include One Hit Wonders, Pedal to the Metal and Sci-Fi. My bed was about as close to a fluffy cloud as you can get, and even with the Elvis wake-up call, I didn’t want to move from it.

On to business. Sectra's tag line "Knowledge and Passion" was the focal point of Icelander Sverrir Ragnarsson’s motivational “Go for the Gold” meeting opener. His inspiring message and clever delivery kept us engaged and amused while reminding us that passion should be our beacon in our professional and personal lives.

Dr. Torbjörn Kronander, MSEE, Ph.D., MBA, president and founder of Sectra Imtec AB, set an optimistic tone when he addressed the audience with “What’s New at Sectra.” Clearly, an extremely bright and accomplished man, his humility was rather touching in this culture of self-promotion and vainglory. “I do one thing very well,” he stated. “I am a good recruiter.”

Along with Dr. Kronander, Sectra executives Mikael Anden and Marie Ekstrom stressed the company's priorities in order of importance: customers, employees, and shareholders. By aligning company strategy this way, success is inevitable, they testified. As the 2013 first in KLAS award demonstrates, the initiative to keep customers happy is not just a pledge but a principle embedded in operations.

Mats Bjornemo gave us insight into the company’s plans for product development. The roadmap is impressive and forward-looking. Sectra’s recent release of DoseTrack, which earned AuntMinnie’s award for best new radiology software at December’s Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting, is one example of its allegiance to innovation.  Shawn McKenzie, CEO and founder of Ascendian Healthcare Consulting gave a compelling talk on why imaging centers should implement dose monitoring programs now and not wait for legislation to take action. He’s slated to speak at the Association for Medical Imaging Management’s (AHRA) Annual Meeting in August in Washington D.C. I recommend attending his session.

The evening field trip to Red Rocks amphitheater was a notable highlight. Our tour included a behind the scenes look back stage and, of course, the breathtaking -- literally for those of us living at sea level -- outdoor theater.  Some fitness freaks were scaling the seat rows 2 levels at a time, and while I was envious, I plan to save my next visit for sitting, not jumping, on those benches by seeing one of the many summer outdoor concerts -- likely be an unforgettable experience.

Radiology Referral Marketing in the Age of Reform

Given today’s changing healthcare environment, imaging centers must be more aggressive than ever in maintaining their current referral base, while at the same time growing the current referral base.  In other words, effective customer relationship management (CRM) never has been more important.

Many may know that they have a powerful marketing tool at hand in the vast quantities of data available to them in their HIS, RIS, or billing systems.  But having the data is only half the equation. The trick is to take that data, manipulate it and employ metrics to interpret what’s really there.  Using data and analytics as business intelligence, imaging centers can target marketing priorities with laser precision and act intelligently on referral trends.

A View from the Cloud

Welcome to the IDS blog, designed as a forum for an ongoing conversation about trends, issues and solutions for all aspects of clinical workflow.

It should be interesting – and maybe even profitable.

After all, IDS is known for brainstorming with clients and prospects to forge new avenues and create unique technology applications that help providers address divergent workflows, operational procedure and regulatory compliance.