Picture Archiving and Communications System
What they do
A picture archiving and communications system (PACS) is an electronic and ideally filmless information system for acquiring, sorting, transporting, storing and electronically displaying medical images. PACSs are designed to allow physicians to view digital photographs or images of diagnostic tests, interpretations and related data simultaneously and from multiple sites.
With a PACS, you can:
- Store MRIs, X-rays, colonoscopy or dermatology photographs, etc., in high-resolution formats
- Share images with diagnostic centers and consulting physicians
- Maintain image-related patient data in conjunction with other EHR systems
Things to consider
PACSs have developed rapidly and are in operation in a number of hospitals. However, before widespread adoption of PACSs can occur, their cost-effectiveness must be proven. If you have a need to interact with your primary hospital or lab and imaging partners for this type of information, check with your vendor to confirm your EHR system is compatible with their systems.
