PACS (Picture Archiving Computer Systems)

A picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is a combination of hardware and software that is used for the short and long term storage, retrieval, management, distribution, and presentation of images. The universal format for PACS image storage and transfer is DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine). Hospitals are the largest consumers of PACS but smaller facilities are now recognizing the value of the systems as well.

PACS has four major components: imaging systems, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) equipment; a network for distribution and exchange of patient information; workstations for viewing, processing and interpreting images; and archives for storage and retrieval of images and related documentation and reports.

Flexible and efficient PACS solutions play a vital role as healthcare institutions struggle to handle a burgeoning demand for imaging services while simultaneously containing costs and ensuring a high level of care. To accomplish these goals, PACS solutions need to deliver a comprehensive suite of embedded clinical tools and be able to integrate seamlessly with EMRs and health information exchanges.

PACS offers hospitals a good return on their investment. They can lower costs for acquiring and storing films by storing digitized radiology images, and these systems may reduce the workload of the radiology staff. The Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) standard, its implementation by PACS manufacturers, decreased hardware costs and financing options are helping many community hospitals, as well as ambulatory facilities and small hospitals, to install PACS. PACS within hospitals will eventually be considered a service. For the true potential of PACS to be achieved, vendors need to understand how PACS affects all hospital functions that it impacts.