Siemens Introduces Trendsetting RIS Enhancements at RSNA 2006.

IT-Based Innovations in RIS Essential to Enabling Holistic Patient Workflow by Combining Imaging and Lab Diagnostics with Clinical IT Solutions

CHICAGO -- Siemens Medical Solutions (www.siemens.com/medical) continues to emphasize workflow optimization within the imaging department, the healthcare facility and across the healthcare continuum. As part of its goal of enabling a holistic patient workflow, Siemens will demonstrate the most current release of its Radiology Information System (RIS) software, syngo([R]) Workflow Version 28.0 SLR(**), at the 92nd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from Nov. 26 to Dec. 1 (booth #4129) in Chicago.

syngo Workflow Version 28.0 SLR was designed as an easy-to-learn system that focuses on helping customers optimize and streamline their resource and patient care workflows, while assisting them in controlling costs and meeting business objectives.

Specialty Networks LLC of Chattanooga, Tenn., a beta customer for syngo Workflow Version 28.0 SLR, has improved its reporting process dramatically, enabling a 27 percent improvement in radiologist productivity. "With syngo, we've replaced 98 percent of paper-based documents for the radiologist, interfaces to third party dictation and third party voice recognition, and all but one transcriptionist," said Dr. Jim Busch, CEO of Specialty Networks. "The efficiencies gained by having a single vendor solution for RIS-driven workflow, voice recognition-based reporting, image call-up and advanced visualization are the primary reasons for the gain in productivity." Dr. Busch added that Specialty Networks has also experienced fewer phone calls for "stat" cases and other status requests secondary to the rapid report turnaround.

Enhancements that have been added in syngo Workflow Version 28.0 SLR and their benefits include:

* syngo Portal Radiologist, a new Web-based solution that serves as an information and planning center where radiologists are presented with a user interface that is configured according to their role. A radiologist has easy access to patient-relevant information, such as previous reports, lab values and allergies, as well as scanned documents, all in one application window. syngo Portal Radiologist enables users quicker access and improved decision making, such as confirming whether or not the request is appropriate.

* Increased user-friendliness of paperless radiology workflow with improvements in document capturing and the ability to establish purge criteria for various scanned document types.

* Improved drop down menus in interactive documents, the primary paperless workflow tool. This increases the number of options viewable in the initial display and reduces mouse clicks, ultimately resulting in time savings for the user.

* Enhanced ability to store, display and report on allergies, which helps to improve quality of patient care by offering security in decision making.

* The ability to display notes and related severity levels captured from Clinical Alert processing, which enables users to promptly and appropriately act on the information presented.

syngo Workflow Version 28.0 SLR supports both UNIX and LINUX operating systems; Microsoft Windows-based PCs as workstations; and enhanced Graphical User Interface (GUI) functionality. Through the use of its extensive communication features, document scanning, sophisticated clinical alerts, embedded voice recognition and advanced workflow management, it can help maximize radiological department productivity and resource efficiency.

"Once again, Siemens is demonstrating its leadership position in the imaging and knowledge arena by delivering systems that can adapt to the continually increasing demands of enterprise-wide imaging," said Ajit Singh, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Image and Knowledge Management Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "With syngo Workflow Version 28.0 SLR, we are proving that IT-based innovations are essential in successfully addressing the quality, productivity and cost requirements of modern healthcare delivery."

Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics - such as Diagnostic Products Corporation - mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company. Employing approximately 36,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (preliminary figures). Further information can be found by visiting www.usa.siemens.com/medical-pressroom.

* Available only in the United States and Canada.