Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you tell me the best PACS or teleradiology software or systems?
  No, I can't. Even if knew, I wouldn't. But the fact is that there is no one "best" system. Each site has its own requirements and it is up to the individual site (or very knowledge/persistent salespeople) to determine what is best for a particular site. Check out the PACSpage Sites page to see what other sites/hospitals/clinics/schools are doing. This is what you would use the PACSpage for.

• Can you point me to any hospital or sites that use PACS ?
  The only sites I have are already listed on this website on the PACSpage Sites page. I do not keep track of sites in general, other than those who have (or are mentioned on) web sites. Check out the industry magazines, contact industry consultants, or the vendors themselves for referrals to their existing customers.

• Can you point me to any PACS or Teleradiology Market analyses/reports?
  Many of the magazines that review many vendors and sites. Also, there are some market research firms (see here) that will provide (for a fee) a marketing report or research. Also, many consultants will also provide the information that you may need.

• Can you tell about any PACS or teleradiology packages that run on Apple/Macintosh?
  I normally would not split out the products by Operating System, but I receive this question constantly, so therefore I will make an exception.
  These are vendors who currently support (or state they support) products on Macintosh systems:
  • DesAcc (Digital Jacket)
  • Dr Razz
  • Escape Information Services
  • JDicomViewer
  • MacAngioView
  • MacPacs
  • MedImage
  • MedWeb
  • NIH Image
  • Osiris Imaging Software
  • Yumemido Inc.

• Does (insert name here) still work at DeJarnette?
  Please don't ask me. If you wish to contact an employee at DeJarnette, send a note to info@dejarnette.com and your message will be forwarded for you.

• What is the latest and greatest PACS technology/concept?
  Currently, I see PACS as maturing fairly gradually, and there (in general) is no "great" leap in technology. I see the current industry as growing on a natural course, taking into account the needs of radiology department and clinics.
  However, what I would consider two important issues in PACS and teleradiology today are: Web PACS Applications and PACS Application Service Providers. Another trend is to smaller, expandable "mini-PACS" which are appropriate for smaller hospitals, clinics, imaging centers. These are where the most effort within the industry seems to be going.

• Is (insert vendor here) HIPAA-compliant ?
       -or-
  What software do I need to buy to make my site HIPAA-compliant ?
  There is also no simple answer for either of these questions. There is no single solution that can or will make any site HIPAA-compliant (particularly when it comes to PACS/teleradiology). But, a particular application or system can make your hospital or clinic non-compliant. It will be up to the specific vendor that you use (or your HIPAA consultant or advisor) that will be able to help you with this question.
  For additional information, please see my HIPAA page for sites that can assist you with your HIPPA related questions.

• Why don't you add a (Year 2000, HIPAA, DICOM Conformance, Product) link under each vendor ?
  It is difficult enough to track changes in the various vendors in the industry. Since each vendor changes their page (many of them constantly), it would be easier for the viewer to just connect to the main page and search for the info that they want (assuming of course, that the vendor has that information).

• Why don't you update your web page more often?
  Good question. And I am a big proponent of webmasters keeping their web links current. What I have learned is that is is not all that easy. My personal life and professional life keep me very busy right now, and have for a while. And since this is a personal venture, and I do not use my company's time (or my family's time) to maintain this website, it is taking a major effort to keep it up.
  That said, I am using a better tool to manage my web page, which is making it easier to track the various sites on my page, as well as the characteristics of the web sites. Hopefully, this will allow me to update my page more conveniently (and therefore, more often).