Imagine what would happen if ... your physician had immediate access to your X-rays and other imaging tests ... all your imaging studies were located in one central, easy-to-access location ... you had peace of mind because you received your test results more quickly.

You don't have to imagine these scenarios any longer. They're all a reality today at Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, thanks to innovative technology called the Philips EasyAccess picture archiving and communication system (PACS).

"PACS is absolutely a new generation of technology that is transforming the medical community," says Raj Agrawal, MD, Chairman of the Department of Radiology at Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center. "It makes a tremendous difference in patient safety and the quality of patient care."

The ABCs of PACS
PACS -- a filmless, paperless and secure system -- is fully integrated throughout the new hospital. All imaging studies performed at Spring Valley Hospital, including X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, nuclear medicine and angiography, are stored in PACS.

This centralized storage system makes it easier for doctors to view and interpret imaging studies and offers a variety of benefits, including:

• Immediate access. Doctors can instantly access images, reports and audio report summaries on PACS by clicking a mouse and entering a password. Computer terminals are located throughout the hospital so doctors can easily connect with PACS. Doctors also can access PACS data at home or at the office through a secure Web server.
• High-quality images. PACS produces high-resolution digital images that help physicians identify conditions that may be difficult to detect through traditional film images. Spring Valley Hospital also can produce film when necessary.
• Faster diagnoses. Doctors don't have to wait for film to be processed, analyzed or delivered. They have the information they need at their fingertips so they can make prompt, more accurate diagnoses and quicker decisions about treatment.
• Streamlined consultations. Doctors don't have to send film or other materials to consulting physicians. PACS allows doctors to instantly and simultaneously view detailed information.

"PACS is streamlining patient care in all areas of the hospital," Dr. Agrawal says. "It's having a major impact in the operating room and the emergency room where immediate access to information and quick decisions are critical."

Improved patient care
Patients may not notice anything different when they undergo imaging studies at Spring Valley Hospital, but PACS is improving the care they receive in a number of ways.

For example, patients often have more peace of mind because their confidential information is secure (doctors need a password to access information). They'll also receive test results and may start treatment more quickly.

It's also easier for patients to transport imaging studies to other physicians. Instead of carrying cumbersome film, they simply give their doctor a CD that contains their virtual file.

Patients can request their physicians to order their diagnostic tests be completed at Spring Valley Hospital using PACS.

In the future, all The Valley Health System hospitals in Las Vegas -- including Valley Hospital Medical Center, Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center and Summerlin Hospital Medical Center -- will have similar PACS technology. That means doctors will be able to access patient information at any hospital within The Valley Health System.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106