Veterans Affairs Health Care has become more decentralized with the creation of local Veteran Integrated Service Networks (VISN). The purpose of this study was to analyze the design and cost of a wide-area-network (WAN) for teleradiology in a local VISN. The Southern California VISN includes 4 large and 3 small medical centers. Only one of the 7 medical centers has an operational PACS. Data were collected on the radiologist workloads and patient and image flow within and between the 7 medical centers. This was used to estimate the size and cost of local PACS at each medical center and the need for teleradiology services. A simplified cost-analysis model was used to estimate potential cost- savings by gong filmless. Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology was selected for the WAN between the medical centers. A realistic cost-savings model was developed. Cost- effectiveness of a PACS/Teleradiology system was established. Based on this model, a PACS/Teleradiology configuration for the VISN was successfully designed and partially implemented. The ATM-based WAN provides instantaneous access to PACS at each centers. Cost-analysis of the design and implementation of a PACS/teleradiology network in a VISN is possible and important when planning such system. The experience gained will serve a model for future similar projects nationwide.

Date Published: 22 May 1997
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 3035, Medical Imaging 1997: PACS Design and Evaluation: Engineering and Clinical Issues, (22 May 1997); doi: 10.1117/12.274561

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3035:
Medical Imaging 1997: PACS Design and Evaluation: Engineering and Clinical Issues
Steven C. Horii M.D.; G. James Blaine, Editor(s)