MR PROTOCOL NAVIGATOR PROVIDES ONLINE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE.

Philips Medical Systems has demonstrated the MR Protocol Navigator, an electronic educational resource for magnetic resonance (MR) clinicians. With the click of a button, MR technologists and radiologists can investigate the most current radiology information, learn about new clinical MR strategies, compare protocols and review diagnostic images online. Philips' MR Protocol Navigator provides radiology professionals access to new techniques and enables review of proven clinical strategies. Technologists benefit from sample images of anatomy and customized guides for using new protocols based on the user's interests. Philips' partners, such as Boston Medical Center's Department of Radiology, continuously contribute to the MR Protocol Navigator, which will assist the radiologist during diagnosis and improve service to referring physicians. "MR is such a dynamic specialty that many healthcare organizations find it difficult to keep current with the latest imaging strategies, education standards and quality assurance issues," said John Steidley, PhD., Philips Medical Systems. "With MR Protocol Navigator, health care providers have a `virtual' expert on staff 24 hours a day." MR Protocol Navigator contains an extensive library of best imaging practices, continually updated by Philips' clinical partners, MR specialists and Gyroscan NT operators. Users simply log onto the MR Protocol Navigator Internet site to access its many resources, including a full hypertext glossary and tutorial guide, with graphics that help clarify complex subjects and procedures. Typically, a referring physician consults with the radiologist on the appropriateness of an MRI exam for solving a complex clinical diagnosis. While the radiologist understands the capabilities of the Gyroscan NT, the diagnosis may be still under consideration. Rather than referring the patient to a larger medical center that may require travel, clinicians can consult the MR Protocol Navigator for a clinical strategy with complete protocols and sample images - resulting in a more confident examination. With the MR Protocol Navigator, hospitals, clinics and imaging centers can maintain patient volume at their facility by having online access to MR consultations - information that would otherwise be unobtainable without qualified professionals on-site. "We began using the MR Protocol Navigator as a reference primarily for MRA and musculoskeletal studies. Comparing MR imaging techniques from other sites has helped us create our own MR protocols," commented Dr. James Jing, Staff Radiologist, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas. "St. Lukes is also a cardiac research site and we expect to utilize the MR Protocol Navigator as we grow our imaging capabilities." A subscription to the MR Protocol Navigator provides unlimited access for users affiliated with healthcare providers using Philips MRI systems. Healthcare professionals can register for a free sample of the services by visiting www.pmsna.com/gyroscan. To speak with a Philips representative about MR Protocol Navigator, call 1-800-455-4350. Philips Medical Systems is a leading supplier of diagnostic imaging systems and related services worldwide, employing 11,800 people in more than 100 countries. Philips' products are backed by a worldwide network of research and development and sales and service organizations. Philips Medical Systems is part of Royal Philips Electronics, one of the world's largest electronics companies. Additional information on Philips Medical Systems can be obtained by accessing its homepage at http://www.medical.philips.com Royal Philips Electronics of The Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies, with sales of over $39 billion in 1997. It is a global leader in color television sets, lighting, home telephony products, electric shavers and recorded music (Polygram). Its 264,700 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of semiconductors and components, consumer products, professional products and systems, lighting, and software and services. Philips is quoted on the NYSE, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from Philips is located at http://www.news.philips.com For more information, call 203-926-7475.