The radiological report is a communication tool for the referring physician and the patients. It is a central part of patient management, it influences diagnosis and treatment decisions, and forms the basis for medical compensation. 

Initially the radiology report was conceived as a free text report (FTR) to allow radiologists to have their own individuality in the description of the radiological findings. However, such a form was time consuming and could suffer from content and presentation discrepancies, with a probability of transferring incorrect radiological data. Quality, datafication/quantification, and accessibility represent the three main goals in moving from FTRs to structured reports (SRs). Moreover, a “structured” checklist, allows all the fundamental items for a particular radiological study to be reported and permits the connection of the radiological data with clinical features, allowing for personalized medicine. 

Today advanced image acquisition software allows structured reporting while creating value-based radiology.

Cutting-edge imaging diagnostic software with advanced algorithms,  provides the practitioner with image manipulation, measurement and annotation tools that can help in the analysis, interpretation, and diagnosis. Using the software to do all the measurements, and having it compare those measurements with those of prior exams, is the absolute key to structured reporting. Results can then be transferred and integrated into electronic patient files. Benefits include: the avoidance of dictation errors, output of concise and multimedia-enhanced reports, and better support for treatment decisions.

Some acquisition software even come standard with more added value features like Image Stitching, DICOM Modality Worklist, Procedure Code Matching, DICOM Print, and CD Burning.

Using advanced image acquisition software as a tool for reporting, reduces the workflow substantially. Thanks to this technology, spending long working hours preparing reports is a thing of the past! This innovative software allows for the creation of structured reports in less time, allowing radiologists faster workflows and hence higher compensation per work day. As they say, time is money.

Some acquisition software can be further expanded with PACS and with Cloud PACS. 

PACS allows for viewing on other computers adding further medical specialty tools including Orthopedics, Podiatry, and Chiropractic. Cloud PACS expands the access to images to anywhere you can connect to the internet and allows for easy sharing amongst doctors and patients anywhere in the world.

As stated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment act, and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health act: “the best medical practice should be based on structured data, in order to improve patient clinical outcomes”. 

Radiology is considered by many to be at the heart of healthcare.

Advances in sophisticated medical radiography technologies like imaging acquisition software and flat panel detectors, have extended their application scope, offering essential services in diagnosis.  The number of procedures performed is growing steadily despite the current economic crisis.

Protection plans and warranties have become a “make or break” factor when purchasing radiography equipment.

With the economy as it is, the one thing that has become imperative for end users is the support and warranties that manufacturers are offering them for their radiology equipment. If not thought about ahead of time, equipment investment can require additional high maintenance fees or repairs for defects after purchase. Drop coverage, software support,  panel warranties and technical support are key determinants upon purchase.

  • Many companies only provide 1 year of software support and no drop coverage.
  • Manufacturers with warranties of 2-3 years can require a 20% or higher premium per year for a full 5 year warranty.
  • Software support at minimum can cost $1,000 – $2,000 per year after the first year of support. 4 years of support can easily be $8,000 or more.
  • Drop coverage insurance can cost over $2000 per year, even with high deductibles. 5 years of drop coverage can easily cost the user over $10,000 even if the equipment is never damaged.

That is why a 5 year cost of ownership evaluation is highly recommended!

High quality vendors vs low price unprotected items.

In medicine patient care and product quality have to be foremost in decision making processes. Based on requirement and budget, buyers today need to look for high quality radiology equipment vendors that will support their equipment and that provide ample warranty coverage. It is important to obtain quotes on purchase prices and support costs, as well as information about warranties, and use that data when determining the true cost of your equipment and monthly payments.

Remember, all that shines is not gold, most of the time cheap radiology equipment turns out to be highly expensive in the long run. Image quality and ease of use should never be ignored either. If a product doesn’t bring you up to speed clinically, it’s not worth having the financial discussion to start with.

Remember, belt-tightening measures boil down to value based radiology; quality products, protection and warranty, key determinants in the purchase of digital radiology equipment in 2023!

To find out more about JPI’s Protection and Warranty Plans, please click here, call us at 1(516) 513-1330 ext. 3, or write to us at sales@jpihealthcare.com