The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
CanadaÕs investments in digital diagnostic imaging technology will generate between $850 million and $1 billion in annual radiology efficiencies and cost savings, and have already increased productivity to a level equivalent to adding more than 500 radiologists to our health care system. These findings are outlined in the Diagnostic Imaging Benefits Evaluation Report, an independent study commissioned by Canada Health Infoway (Infoway). The report highlights the various benefits Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS) are providing to Canadians. It also uncovers the potential of electronic health record investments to help stimulate CanadaÕs challenging economy. ÒAt a time when the global economy is prompting world leaders to focus on economic stimulus, electronic health record projects are emerging as viable investment opportunities,Ó said Richard Alvarez, president and CEO, Canada Health Infoway. ÒThatÕs because electronic health records have the unique ability to stimulate job creation, improve health outcomes and save money, as evidenced with todayÕs report on the benefits of CanadaÕs diagnostic imaging investments. It comes as no surprise that U.S. President-elect Barack Obama recently indicated such investments would be part of his planned economic stimulus package.Ó PACS digitizes diagnostic exams such as x-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds and CT images. The technology provides clinicians with the ability to collect, store, manage and access images regardless of where they are located, or where the test was conducted. PACS improves productivity for doctors, technologists and radiologists and significantly improves remote reporting capabilities. Other benefits include: Elimination of up to 17,000 patient transfers annually through remote access to images. Increased capacity of between 9 million and 11 million exams at current radiologist resource levels. Up to $1 billion a year in health system savings and efficiencies once PACS is fully implemented across the country. To learn more about Infoway, or to access a copy of InfowayÕs 2008 Diagnostic Imaging Benefits Evaluation Report, visit www.infoway-inforoute.ca.
