Agfa HealthCare, a leader in medical image and information management, and MEDITECH, a leader in healthcare information systems, today announces the successful integration of Agfa’s IMPAXTM PACS system with MEDITECH’s Enterprise Medical Record (EMR) at Exeter Hospital (Exeter, NH).
HIMSS Dallas, TX, February 14, 2005
Agfa HealthCare, a leader in medical image and information management, and MEDITECH, a leader in healthcare information systems, today announces the successful integration of Agfa's IMPAXTM PACS system with MEDITECH's Enterprise Medical Record (EMR) at Exeter Hospital (Exeter, NH). The two companies also announced the publication of an independent report on the workflow efficiencies associated with this level of integration, which enables healthcare providers to view radiology and cardiology images throughout their institution directly through their existing EMR system.
"MEDITECH and Agfa understand the importance of integration between clinical applications," says Hoda Sayed-Friel, vice president of marketing, MEDITECH. "The key to clinical efficiency is building an EMR that provides access to as much clinical information as possible, and to provide that information in a centralized location."
Previously, the Exeter physicians had access to laboratory, medication, nursing, and other clinical data and reports. The addition of images to that EMR has augmented the existing record with critical information. Through EMR, physicians are able to view the patient's clinical record, review the imaging report, and access the image on the IMPAX system without having to re-identify themselves or the patient. This seamless integration allows physicians to review all the information they need without extra keystrokes or trips to the Radiology department.
"Providing our referring physicians with access to their patients' medical images was a critical point in the hospital's strategic goal to implement technologies that will improve patient care and reduce medical errors," says David Briden, CIO, Exeter Health Resources. "We have integrated clinical information, such as orders and reports, with medical images to improve exam integrity from start to finish. Physicians want technology that offers easy-to-use tools so they can provide better care for their patients, while continuing to ensure the highest levels of patient confidentiality and safety. We were happy to participate in this study to confirm our investment decisions."
IMPAX is an enterprise-wide digital imaging and information management system bringing point of care technologies to healthcare providers with the goal of image enabling the EMR. Its ability to integrate with the EMR allows clinicians to access data maximizing clinical efficiency. IMPAX uses web technologies to deliver connectivity, deployability, serviceability and ease of access.
The independent study identified a number of areas of value for referring physicians provided by PACS and its single sign on integration with the MEDITECH system at Exeter Hospital. These findings included efficiency and workflow improvements in inpatient workflow, in the ICU and in Physician Offices, the elimination of unnecessary travel to the hospital and as an enabler for improved quality of care.
Overall, the study documented hospitals in a competitive environment, offering PACS access with integration with the EMR is an important value-added service for referring physicians.
"Agfa is committed to providing our customers with the workflow tools that will allow them to run their operations more efficiently, while at the same time, offering them a holistic view of patient clinical data across the healthcare enterprise," said Agfa HealthCare's Sara Coulter, Enterprise Solutions Marketing Manager. "Our successful implementation at Exeter Hospital is a wonderful example of how the integration of Clinical Solutions and PACS can help improve physician efficiency and overall patient care."
This independent study was conducted by First Consulting Groups' Emerging Practices group. It will be presented at this year's HIMSS conference in Dallas Texas as part of the Pavilion Product Sessions that showcase some of the most dynamic and most innovative healthcare IT solutions in the industry. A copy of the study is also available on line at Agfa.com/healthcare.
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About MEDITECH
MEDITECH has been the leader in the Health Care Information Systems (HCIS) industry since 1969. MEDITECH's applications unify clinical, administrative, and financial information across a health care organization, including acute care, long-term care, home health care, and physician practices. Today, more than 1,900 customers worldwide use MEDITECH's information systems.
About Agfa
The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world's leading imaging companies. Agfa develops, manufactures and markets analogue and digital systems, intended mainly for the graphics industry and the healthcare markets.
Agfa's headquarters are in Mortsel, Belgium. The company is active in 40 countries and has agents in another 100 countries throughout the world. Together they achieved a turnover of 4,215 million euros in 2003.
Product and company information can be found on Agfa's home page on the World Wide Web at: www.agfa.com.
Agfa, the Agfa rhombus, IMPAX and See More. Do More. are trademarks of Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Belgium or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Contacts:
Geertrui De Smet
Global PR Manager HealthCare
tel.: +32 (0) 3 444 73 06
fax: +32 (0) 3 444 72 85
e-mail: geertruidesmet@agfapress.com
Jeff Lewis
Media Relations Manager HealthCare, North America
tel.: 201-440-2500 x4192
e-mail: jeff.lewis@agfa.com
Johan Jacobs
Corporate Press Relations Manager
tel.: +32 (0)3 444 80 15
fax: +32 (0)3 444 74 85
e-mail: johan.jacobs@agfa.com
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