Cape Gazette: Nanticoke Hospital First to Provide Link to Radiology Images on DHIN
Nanticoke Hospital is First to Provide Link to Radiology Images on DHIN
DOVER, DE – December 5, 2013 – Radiologists at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital have become the first in Delaware to include links to images in the reports they deliver through the Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN).
With Vital Images, Inc.’s universal viewer, VitreaView, secure links to the actual images are embedded in the radiology written reports. Those links provide immediate access by the physicians providing follow-up care once the radiology report is signed.
“As a family practice doctor, I want to see the x-ray or scan myself so that I can better understand what’s there,” said Dr. Jan Lee, DHIN CEO. “Written reports are important; but, if there’s a questionable area on a scan or even a broken bone, I want to see it, show it to the patient, and decide for myself the best course of action. Now that is possible on radiology reports from Nanticoke and will pave the way for others to follow.”
This new offering comes after several months of planning and testing through cooperation with Nanticoke, Vital Images, Inc. and DHIN. Written radiology reports have been available through DHIN’s community health record since the health information exchange launched in 2007; but the actual image has had to be physically delivered or mailed to a physician’s office from the hospital. Physicians can now simply click on a link and the x-ray or image can be viewed directly on their computer screen. This can be expanded in the future to include photographs which could be used for pre-hospital visit assessments, dermatology consults and to provide warning to the emergency department what is coming their way.
“I was very excited to be a part of the testing process for embedding links in the radiology reports at Nanticoke,” said Dr. Marie Wolfgang, an independent physician in Seaford. “This allows me the ability to directly see what’s happening with my patients and show them the problem. I have seen firsthand how it enhances my ability to provide real-time, coordinated care for my patients. It’s an exciting development not just at Nanticoke but for patients throughout Delaware. This fills an important need and we have worked hard to bring it about. To be able to view the images as well as read the reports will be invaluable to treating physicians and will also provide an opportunity to show and discuss the images with patients.”
All acute care hospitals in the state of Delaware participate with DHIN as data senders. In addition to Delaware hospitals, most laboratory and medical imaging firms participate in DHIN, delivering their results through the network. Over 14 million deliveries of medical results and reports are made through DHIN each year, helping medical professionals provide better care more efficiently. Nanticoke is the first to make radiology images available through DHIN.
“This was an important ‘first’ in Delaware,” said Erkan Akyuz, President and Chief Executive Officer at Vital Images, Inc. “It demonstrates how an image-enabled electronic health record can enhance healthcare by providing the tools physicians need to make informed timely decisions. In today’s world, we would expect nothing less.”
About DHIN
DHIN, the Delaware Health Information Network, is the first live, statewide health information network in the nation. Launched in 2007, today it serves all of Delaware’s acute care hospitals and approaching 100% of the State’s medical providers. More than 14,000,000 clinical results and reports are delivered through DHIN each year. There are a total of 1.6 million unique patients with results on DHIN including patients from all 50 states. For more information about DHIN visit www.DHIN.org or call 302-678-0220. Please also visit us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (@DHIN_hie).
About Nanticoke Memorial Hospital
Nanticoke Health Services includes Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, an award-winning community hospital in Seaford, and the Nanticoke Physician Network, with primary care and specialty physicians located throughout Sussex County Delaware and in Dorchester County Maryland. Nanticoke Memorial Hospital is a Level III Trauma Center and has a nationally certified stroke program that is designated a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission; a recognized cardiology program; and comprehensive cancer care and orthopedic services. Nanticoke’s medical staff includes over 120 active and community affiliate physicians practicing in 40 different specialties.
About Vital Images, Inc.
Vital Images, Inc., a Toshiba Medical Systems Group Company, is a leading provider of advanced visualization and analysis software for physicians and healthcare specialists. The company’s software provides users productivity and communication tools to improve patient care that can be accessed throughout the enterprise anytime, anywhere via the Web. For more information, visit www.vitalimages.com.
