Clinton, Frist Healthcare IT Event Highlights DR Systems PACS.

WASHINGTON -- The capabilities of DR Systems' PACS were recently highlighted in a press conference with U. S. Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bill Frist. The event kicked off bipartisan legislation to provide $625 million in grants for healthcare information technology projects.

The senators launched their legislation during June 16 remarks at the George Washington University Hospital. The hospital uses DR Systems' PACS as part of its commitment to improve clinical care and cut healthcare costs.

The hospital's CEO, Richard Becker, M.D., highlighted the value of the DR Systems PACS in his opening remarks, saying: "We have a sophisticated system that provides filmless imaging in the radiology department, as well as the opportunity for clinicians to access radiology results anytime, anywhere within the hospital building. In addition, physicians can view the same radiology results outside the hospital through a secure Web server."

Emphasizing the clinical, patient safety, and economic benefits of this technology, Dr. Becker said: "The result is a quicker turnaround time for radiology reports, as well as better communication between physicians and nurses about those reports. With this system in place, treatment decisions can be made more rapidly and more accurately in order to swiftly move patients to their next phase of care."

A presentation prepared by Colin Hurley, the hospital's PACS manager, and his colleagues showed images from the DR Systems PACS as part of the press conference.

PACS technology also figures in the mobile laptop computers that are used by healthcare professionals throughout George Washington University Hospital. Many of the laptops are loaded with Web Ambassador(TM), software from DR Systems. The software makes it possible for physicians to confidentially review patient records via the Internet or a local wireless network. The mobile laptops ensure greater accuracy and fewer errors, Dr. Becker said.

The event at George Washington University Hospital generated significant media coverage, including a lengthy story in Time magazine.

The senators' legislation, which has received substantial support from healthcare IT companies and organizations, would provide significant new federal funding for interoperable health information technology and the development of Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIOs). Several other bills in the House and Senate have similar goals.

DR Systems, a leader in the development of RHIOs technology, played a central role in developing the PACS portion of the Santa Barbara County Care Data Exchange (CDE). Launched through the initial involvement of David Brailer, M.D., now the nation's healthcare IT czar, CDE was the first effort to electronically share patient-specific information among multiple healthcare institutions in a region.

DR Systems drew on its specialized expertise in PACS and peer-to-peer technology to develop the interface that makes radiology information, from the three CDE members using the company's PACS, available to all other participating facilities.

"We are proud of the role that our PACS/RIS technology is playing in moving the nation toward more efficient electronic exchange of health information," said Rick Porritt, CEO of DR Systems. "Our patented automated workflow technology and many years of experience have shown their value for all kinds of small and large healthcare facilities, including recognized leaders such as George Washington University Hospital."

About DR Systems

DR Systems, Inc. is the leading independent provider of film-free medical systems and paperless information systems for diagnostic imaging centers and hospitals. For 12 years, the company has helped more than 250 facilities improve the management of patient information, eliminate film costs, and increase workflow speed, all while providing better clinical care. The company's systems integrate numerous tools to improve financial performance and productivity, including: client-server and Web-based image, report and audio-clip distribution; patented, automated hanging protocols for radiologists; and the report format preferences of individual referring physicians. For more information, call 800-794-5955 or visit www.dominator.com.