Cloud-based Picture Archiving and Communication System

PACS Picture Archiving and Communication System is a type of medical imaging technology that was developed to surpass the limitations of traditional film based imaging systems.

Development       

Since its development in the 80s, PACS has expedited interdepartmental access to patient images and data within health institutes.     

Works       

Cloud PACS system  works by using hardware and software components to acquire images from medical imaging devices such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, or radiography devices, then converts the files into the DICOM format, and moves them to workstations where they can be accessed and reviewed. It also often comes with additional features for improving workflow management, reporting, 3D reconstruction, and peer review.

Strengths

Manufacturers are realizing benefits of this technology and slowly incorporating it into their new generation radiology information system (RIS) or PACS system by software as a service (SAAS) model. Thus, there is an immediate reduction in the cost of the storage and archiving for the hospital, clinic or imaging center, since there is no longer a need for investing in these areas. Absence of an onsite data center reduces the ancillary investments that would be associated in running it, such as the emergency power backup or uninterruptible power supply (UPS), as well as the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.    

Apart from economic benefits and provision of better quality care, PACS also can help to reduce the carbon footprint. With the reduction in the overall number of hardware equipment pieces, there should be a lower amount of energy demanded in the production, running, cooling and, ultimately, disposing of these systems. 

Difference between PACS and DICOM

These two are easy to mix up because they go hand in hand. While PACS is the system that connects the various hardware and software components involved in the process of acquiring, storing, and reviewing medical images and related data, DICOM is the underlying communication protocol and the format that all of the files convert to. 

There are many reasons why a cloud-based PACS is superior to a local PACS: 

Cheaper           

Replacing local PACS with cloud-based PACS can cut costs significantly. Costs of storage, maintenance and support are almost completely or even completely handed over to the cloud PACS vendor at a set price.

Offers more storage          

Medical images have very large file sizes, particularly when obtained from more advanced devices.    

Provides safer storage  

Cloud-based PACS is less vulnerable to hardware damage than local PACS. Since the data is stored in the cloud, it cannot be lost in the event of something happening to the on-premises hardware.  

Pricing

Traditional PACS systems can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the size of the practice. Cloud-based PACS can reduce these costs significantly. Cloud PACS vendors most often offer free demo versions after which the customer can choose to pay for monthly or yearly subscriptions. These can range from a couple of dollars to a couple of hundred dollars per month depending on the type of subscription and vendor.