Picture Archiving Communication System

Medical Center of Lewisville is pleased to offer the convenience of PACS to our patients and physicians.  PACS combines computer-based imaging, database, storage and networking technologies to provide an efficient alternative to the traditional film-based handling of radiology information. This will allow physicians quick review of patient images and reports on work stations placed throughout the facility or via a secure link in their home or office.  Patients will no longer have to physically retrieve and carry films to their physician’s office, as they are available online 24/7.  Faster availability means faster results.

Functionality:
- View Current & Previous Exams
- View Reports
- Window/Level
- Measure Distance
- Magnification

Benefits:
- No lost films
- Ability to view current and historical images with associated reports from office, home and designated PACS clinical review stations.
- Digital image manipulation tools (Window/Level, measure distance)
- Exams performed after PACS implementation will build historical database.

What is PACS?
PACS stands for Picture Archiving and Communication System, which is a computer system used to capture, store, share and display medical images from throughout Medical Center of Lewisville.  Combined with available and emerging Web technology, PACS has the ability to deliver timely and efficient access to images, interpretations and related data.  PACS breaks down the physical and time barriers associated with traditional film-based image retrieval, distribution and display.

What types of exams are stored on the PACS network?
Radiology exams, including regular X-Ray Images, CT/MRI scans, Angiography, Nuclear Medicine, and Ultrasound are currently stored on PACS.

What are the benefits of PACS to physicians?
PACS can save you a tremendous amount of time, as obtaining images from the Radiology Department becomes a thing of the past.  No more waiting for your films to be pulled, or endless treks to and from radiology.  Using the work stations located throughout our facilities, you can review your patients’ studies at your convenience.  Another benefit of PACS is more timely care.  If you have a work station in your office, you need not worry that a patient may arrive for an appointment without their films, as you may view them from whichever facility they were acquired.  And, if you establish a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection from your home, you may view your patient’s exam without leaving your house for an emergent referral.

What are the benefits of PACS to patients?
PACS allows physicians to view images from Medical Center of Lewisville without the need for patients to physically hand-carry their films.  PACS also provides better patient care, as patient images can be referred to a specialist for simultaneous review with their primary care physician.  Lost or unavailable films are history.  As PACS images are stored on a computer base, they are always available whenever and wherever needed.  In emergency situations, the speed and convenience of PACS has been proven to save lives.