Canon Announces First RIS-PACS Integration Utilizing the IHE Framework.

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IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 27, 2000

Joint Application Combines Text and Images for More Efficient,

Accurate Radiology Operation

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), today announced it has successfully completed the first clinical integration of a hospital Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) using the IHE (Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise) Framework.

The application, which enables real-time, bi-directional communication directly between the two systems, was installed at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey, last month.

The application combines Canon's (PACS) and IDX Systems Corporation's Imaging Suite information system. The two integrated products enhance the information flow within the hospital, as the RIS and PACS now directly can exchange information, eliminating the need for a third-party "broker" or linking system between the two. Images and text now can be shared between the RIS and the PACS, as well as other hospital information systems, in accordance with IHE guidelines. Integrating the two systems is expected to improve the efficiency and accuracy of Holy Name Hospital's radiology department by eliminating hours of data processing reconciliation time, improving data accuracy and enabling faster report creation.

The joint application integrates formerly independent information systems transactions to facilitate various scheduled radiology procedures. For example, the DICOM Modality Worklist provides a list of patients scheduled at various modalities within the hospital. The Procedure Scheduled transaction enables the PACS to access and retrieve a patient's history (images and reports) from records of previous examinations and present the data at the diagnostic imaging workstation. The Patient Update transaction enables technologists to modify patients' records - such as recording a name change - following an exam. When these transactions are complete, the systems involved interact through the HIE interface to ensure that all records are updated.

"Canon Medical Systems has been a strong proponent of the IHE Initiative and we are delighted that this joint effort with IDX Systems Corporation has resulted in one of the first successful field implementations of an integrated RIS and PACS system," said Eric Kuramato, director and general manager, Canon Medical Systems.

In addition to implementing specific IHE transactions, the Canon and IDX application employs Study Content Notification messaging to keep the RIS updated on the status of PACS images. This feature enables the RIS to obtain images from the PACS for short-term storage and viewing. Also, in anticipation of future IHE Structured Reporting implementations, reports of radiologist's dictations are forwarded from the RIS to the PACS automatically for storage in the RIS.

The IHE initiative is designed to ensure that patient information required for medical decisions is complete, correct and available to all healthcare professionals. The project's goal is to augment the current DICOM and HL-7 communications standards and develop new standard interfaces and data architectures that will enable diverse medical information systems to connect and share information. The initiative is sponsored by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), and it involves the major vendors in the healthcare information and imaging systems industries.

"Our integration with Canon at Holy Name is consistent with our company's mission to use information technology to maximize value and enhance the delivery of patient care," said Debra Stenner, vice president of development, Radiology and Imaging Solutions Division, IDX Systems Corporation. "We believe that, as a result of using the IHE framework for this application, patients will have radiological studies performed, interpreted, and reported far more accurately and in much less time than ever before."

Canon and IDX will be demonstrating this integrated system at respective booths at the Radiology Society of North America (RSNA) show in Chicago from November 26 - 30.

Canon Medical Systems, a division of Canon U.S.A., Inc., is based in Irvine, California. The group was formed in April 1999 to provide medical facilities with a single source from which to purchase both Canon's innovative Digital Radiography and its PACS products.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions and, through its parent company, Canon Inc., is a top patent-holder of imaging technologies. The company's comprehensive product line includes networked multifunction devices; digital and analog copiers (color and black and white); printers, scanners, image filing systems, and facsimile machines; camcorders, cameras and lenses; and semiconductor, broadcast and medical equipment. Canon employs 12,000 people at more than 30 facilities throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

IDX Systems Corporation, founded in 1969, provides complete healthcare information solutions for integrated delivery networks including group practices, MSOs, health plans, and hospitals. IDX products are used by more than 118,000 physicians and are installed over 1,650 client sites.

All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective owners.