Department of Veterans Affairs Partners with Edmonds Scientific in Move to Filmless Environment

FAIRFAX, VA
-The Veterans Affairs Healthcare Network, Upstate New York (VISN-2) recently selected Edmond Scientific Company (ESC) to provide a Departmental Workflow Analysis and a Return on Investment Performance Metrics (ROI) Analysis as part of VISN-2’s strategy to implement an enhanced filmless radiology service (PACS) across the network to support a comprehensive electronic medical record of its patients.

A Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is a technologically advanced healthcare IT application designed to facilitate the effective and efficient acquisition, archival, interpretation and dissemination of radiological images within a health enterprise. This allows images to be distributed electronically and interpreted on computer workstations, thereby eliminating waiting periods for film images to be processed, analyzed or delivered.

ESC will conduct a Department Workflow Analysis for all VISN-2 medical facilities. This process will document current radiology work flow procedures and practices from image requisition through acquisition to final interpretation. The data obtained will provide the basis for identifying the necessary IT resources, data integration, and the workflow or business process changes that will be needed to achieve cost reductions as the VISN moves forward to a filmless environment.

The Return on Investment (ROI) Performance Analysis is a two phased comparative study. The first phase defines the cost structures and productivity levels associated with the VISN’s current radiology technology and workflow. The second phase will project the new cost structure and productivity gains associated with a PACS enterprise implementation. Baseline operational indicators will be established to measure and qualify these outcomes and benefits on an ongoing basis as the VISN moves forward in implementing its strategic plan.

ESC, a veteran-owned company, has developed extensive experience in healthcare and health informatics consulting, developing and managing complex software development and IT programs/projects, portfolio/risk management for information systems, and integrating workflow and document management systems. This includes legacy radiological image conversion to DICOM standards, and integrating applications to conform to DICOM and HL7 communication protocols. This experience allows the VA to benefit from ESC’s expertise and disciplined approach to providing services in accordance with strict performance standards.

For more information about ESC, please contact Mary O’Donnell at 703)766-3871, or email mOdonnell@edmondsci.com