Metron originated as the best image acquisition software in its class. Over the last few years, we have grown Metron into a DICOM communications hub. Metron supports nearly all of the major DICOM function and PACS roles.
DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is the standard method of communications and image file transfer between computers within human and veterinary medical practices. The purpose of DICOM is to help facilitate the transfer and share of digital images between systems that are not from the same manufacturer or supplier.
PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is a unique computer system that manages the transfer, storage, and viewing of DICOM files. As your practice adds digital X-Ray for small animal skeletal, a year later you convert your dental X-Ray to digital, and finally add digital ultrasound, the roll of PACS grows. In addition, a growing number of practices like to forward newly produced images (often called "Studies") to their favorite radiologists. The PACS is the tool built for that role.
DICOM and PACS is Integration. Not only do veterinary practices want to integrate or connect multiple digital imaging systems but also integrate with their practice information manage systems (PIMS). When we add the PIMS to the topic, integration is no longer simple because they each have their own spin on how DICOM and PACS should be used and configured. For practices that are looking for tight integration between their PIMS and their digital image systems, ask a lot of questions and make sure you understand what they may mean by integration. Will this be in the medical record as an attachment, do they have the ability to manipulate once it is transferred. How is the image is stored and how it comes back out of the software are a couple of other good questions.
While Metron's lead role is "Acquisition", consider looking into the advantages of combining images from other acquisition sources into Metron. Use Metron as your PACS; combine the different modalities (image sources) into one common database. This approach simplifies staff use for image retrieval and report generation. In some cases, it is even possible and beneficial for you to use Metron software to improve the performance of other existing X-Ray acquisition systems.
Integration is key word with PACS and DICOM working as important pieces. Practices will always be challenged to pick the right amount of integration - too much and you have more complexity and expense than you need - too little and you suffer from staff inefficiencies and medical practice deficiencies. Metron is both a product and a service. Call on us to help assess your options and make good choices.