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Wednesday, July 11

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Breakout Sessions

The “State of the State” in Outpatient Imaging

M. Shane Foreman
3d Health, Inc., Chicago, IL

Rich Paulk
3d Health, Inc., Chicago, IL

Credits: 1.5
This session is generously sponsored by 3d Health, Inc.

The historical growth in imaging has been explosive and the future demand for imaging is projected to grow annually by double digits for most modalities. Yet, payers (including CMS) are attempting to slow this anticipated growth. Hospitals, medical specialists, surgical specialists, radiologists, and entrepreneurs are all aggressively pursuing the same imaging patients. Who will win? How? This session will offer participants an overview of the ever-evolving outpatient imaging market, an understanding of the key players and their most recent actions, and a framework for how to position your facility in today’s tough environment.

You will learn to:

• Provide an overview of the critical market dynamics in outpatient imaging.
• Detail the different perspectives of the key players.
• Discuss the emerging role of the consumer in imaging.
• Review the continuing role of the referral physician.
• Discuss payer behavior as it relates to imaging.
• Provide participants with proven strategies to differentiate in competitive markets.

Organizational Behavior Meets Generation X and Y

Richard A. Lewis, CRA
Phoenix Imaging Consultants, Orlando, FL
Credits: 1.5

How do you apply modern principles of Organizational Behavior to an increasingly diverse workforce, especially as it relates to generations? Learning your place in the generational pecking order, along with identifying the management style you thrive in will help you relate to the workforce of the 21st Century, Generations X and Y. Traditional management must change in relation to this group, and through an interactive approach along with practical tips, this presentation can help to put useful tools into your managerial toolbox.

You will learn to:

• Define which style of management fits you and your staff.
• Reach out to groups that you think you may not have a lot in common with.
• Identify the motivating factors that will blend each generation in the workplace.

A Ticket to the Magic Kingdom: The Keys to Successful Budget Creation and Defense

Jason Newmark, BA, MHA
Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT

David Sack, BS, CRA, FAHRA
Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT

Credits: 1.5
This session repeats on Thursday at 8:00 AM.

Welcome to management, your budget is due in a week! The annual budgeting process can be one of the most challenging endeavors that a new (and even the most seasoned veteran) radiology manager will face. Some win and some lose the fight. There are complex financial and historical performance data to evaluate, pressure from hospital administration to control, and in some cases, to cut costs, and the challenge of preparing the budget while continuing to manage all other ongoing projects and day-to-day operations. This is a very daunting task! However, with the right tools and right mindset, budget preparation can actually be a relatively straightforward and rewarding process. In fact, you will likely garner a much clearer picture of how your department is actually performing, as well as identify which strategic initiatives are of the highest priority for the upcoming year. This session will cover the three major categories of the budget process, including FTE modeling, projecting operational expenses, and planning for capital expenditures. The presenters will review each category through specific case studies and will provide attendees with actual tools/models that you will be able to bring back with you to assist in your own budgeting efforts. Both seasoned and non-seasoned managers are encouraged to attend and participate in open discussion regarding their own experiences and challenges.

You will learn to:

• Eliminate the intimidation factor associated with the budgeting process.
• Prepare and justify a budget for major and minor operational and capital expenses.
• Justify FTE levels.
• Defend your budget recommendations with quality data and clarity.

2007 Documentation Requirements for CPT® & ICD-9 Compliance

Cheryl A. Schad, BA Ed, CPC, ACS-RA
Schad Medical Management, Mullica Hill, NJ

Credits: 1.5
This session is generously sponsored by Schad Medical Management.
This session repeats on Thursday at 8:00 AM.

In this session, attendees will learn what radiologists need to include in their written interpretations of radiological studies in order to receive appropriate reimbursement. The speaker will review the rules and regulations concerning the ordering of diagnostic tests, clinical indications, medical necessity, documentation of diagnostic tests, and the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI). An “order” will be defined and the form of an order and the exceptions to ordering regulations will be discussed. Medical necessity, how it is impacted by clinical indications, and how it should be expressed will be covered. Participants will also learn how to document multiple studies within the same radiology report. The General Instructions for CMS’s NCCI Edits will be discussed as they pertain to radiology. The presenter will also discuss how to achieve compliance with various regulatory agencies.

You will learn to:

• Recognize appropriate documentation for accurate CPT® code selection.
• Recognize appropriate documentation for accurate ICD-9 selection.
• Achieve CPT® and ICD-9 compliance.

Measuring the Economic and Operational Benefits of a Large-Scale RIS-PACS Implementation

Abraham Seidmann, PhD
W.E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration, Rochester, NY

Moshe Ayal, PhD
W.E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration, Rochester, NY

Credits: 1.5
This session is generously sponsored by the University of Rochester.

The integration of electronic patient data records with digital images in PACS is the only way today to provide high-quality clinical services. Such integration enables clinicians to access both systems’ data reliably and consistently, as part of their regular working environment. The speakers will present a general framework for capturing the actual tangible and intangible benefits of RIS/PACS implementation at a major hospital. Prior to the implementation, 150,000 studies were looked at in terms of overall charges and collected revenues, and on a sample studies in terms of report turn around times (TAT) and process bottlenecks. This effort was repeated following the RIS/PACS implementation. In addition, the presenters used a survey instrument to measure the changes at the satisfaction level of radiologists, technology staff, and referring physicians. One of the salient outcomes of this study was the discovery of a 63% year-long learning curve that was observed after the systems’ implementation. Another salient outcome is the outstanding increase in both staff and customers’ (referring MDs) satisfaction, archived by this implementation, and without any increase in departmental resources. In addition, the speakers will present some operational recommendations resulting from an econometric study of a pioneering implementation of a RIS/PACS integrated system in the Diagnostic Imaging Department of a medical center.

You will learn to:

• Prepare a general framework for capturing the actual tangible and intangible benefits of a RIS-PACS implementation at a major hospital.
• Analyze and present total reports turnaround times per modality and interpretation phase.
• Conduct, analyze and present physicians’ and staff’s satisfaction level, and impact on revenue per exam type.

Idiosyncrasies of Marketing to Doctors: Use Them to Your Advantage

Mary Ann Waldron, MBA
Traction Business Development, LLC, Fallston, MD

Kurt Snyder, MBA
Traction Business Development, LLC, Fallston, MD

Credits: 1.5
This session is generously sponsored by Traction Business Development, LLC.
This session repeats on Thursday at 8:00 AM.

Have you sent a postcard and convinced yourself you launched an effective direct mail campaign? Doctors respond to direct mail, e-mail, direct-response television and radio just like you and I do. What’s different is the time and timing of these offers, as many doctors “consume” direct offers quite differently than other business owners. There’s B2C (Business to Consumer), B2B (Business to Business) direct marketing, and there is B2D (Business to Doctor) marketing. This session will help participants acknowledge, understand and leverage the differences to their advantage. This session may challenge audience thinking about face-time with decision makers and gatekeepers. As chaotic as the life of the doctor’s office gatekeeper may be, these individuals are still consumers who react to messages when delivered at the right time through the right medium. The session will reveal tips to break through gatekeeper barriers and distinguish field marketing liaisons from pharmaceutical detail reps. The session will provide the path to removing the “sales” aspect of the solicitation, and share techniques to generate appointments. Through thorough review of multiple case studies, participants will clearly see pitfalls to avoid and convincing methods to employ. Nuances will be spelled out and a check list provided. Whether the participant needs an extreme makeover or a modest alteration to their communication continuum, this session’s instructors will deliver actionable and meaningful advice.

You will learn to:

• Incorporate the voice of physician colleagues.
• Surround your target physician market with messages that cause your proposition to be top of mind.
• Include the 10 things you must do to effectively reach your audience.

9:45 AM – 11:00 AM
General Session and Keynote

Learning From Disney—Where It’s Not About Service or Satisfaction

Fred Lee

Credits: 1.0
This session is generously sponsored by RSI Medical Group.

In this provocative keynote, Fred Lee shares one of the chapters from his award winning book, If Disney Ran Your Hospital—9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently. He asserts that Disney is not a service and neither are hospitals. Because of this, hospitals operate in a different paradigm than do services like department stores, airlines and hotels. From his insider experience in healthcare and at Disney, Lee believes that what they do in the service sector will never take a hospital from good to great. In this presentation he explains why, and gives practical guidance in finding the path to great patient satisfaction and loyalty scores.

You will learn to:

• Explain why there are four sectors to the economy, instead of three.
• Show why Disney is not a service and neither are hospitals
• Apply the Paraeto Principle to patient loyalty and articulate the most powerful variable in going from good to great.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Breakout Sessions

Leveraging RIS-PACS Workflow: Process, Efficiency and Reimbursement

Gerard Durney, MBA
Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY

Dana Ostrow, BS
Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY

Credits: 1.0

Analyzing existing workflow is essential to a successful PACS implementation. Take a step-by-step journey through this analysis identifying key goals for and pitfalls possible in an implementation while exploring experience-based methods to maximize workflow. These methods include using PACS-RIS technology, IHE standards and other technology to maximize reimbursement and increase efficiency and service levels. In addition, attendees will learn about the development of a system checks and balances to ensure process quality.

You will learn to:

• Understand the importance of pre-implementation work flow analysis.
• Identify key process steps.
• Become familiar with system design to maximize throughput while maximizing reimbursement.
• Set up system checks and balances to ensure process quality.
• Leverage other IT systems related to RIS-PACS to maximize workflow.

Managing DICOM CD/DVDs in the Digital Radiology Department

Philip E. Larkin, RT(R)
The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH
Credits: 1.0

DICOM CDs and DVDs have replaced X-ray film as the portable media of choice in the all-digital, multi-site radiology department. While the cost of CD and DVD media is a fraction of the cost of X-ray film, especially with large volume exams generated by MDCT, MRI and PET, production expenses may be far greater than you think. An explanation and breakdown of the “hidden costs” of film production and manual CD/DVD production (technical time, postage, paper goods, etc.) will be made. This presentation explains how a lean and limber PACS support team effectively manages high volume CD production and CD import-into-PACS requests with optimum efficiency. The importance of the technical abilities of the staff responsible for importation and CD production will also be discussed. The comparison between manual and automated systems to produce image CD/DVDs for referrals will be made. Additionally, a technical comparison of automated system capabilities is explored. There will also be a comparison of the DICOM Send model and the Query and Build model of CD/DVD production. This will be discussed from the workflow perspective, as well as the network traffic advantages and disadvantages of these two models of image retrieval. The subject of the importance of IHE compliant image delivery between healthcare organizations with respect to patient care and examination comparison will be discussed briefly.

You will learn to:

• Identify the ways in which software of DICOM CD/DVD recording systems can be configured to streamline and automate workflow requirements, thereby reducing support staff costs.
• Understand the benefits of centralized management of CD production requests in a multiple imaging facility enterprise environment.
• Establish best practice protocols for processing CD creation requests and for CD importing into a hospital PACS (taking into account the importance of the IHE profile for portable media production).

Interventional Radiology Inventory Management

Melissa Post, BS, ARRT(RT)(CV)(CT)(MR)
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI
Credits: 1.0

Hospitals around the country are facing financial strain due to managed care, increased length of patient stays, duplication of tests, and human resources, just to name a few. As such, we find ourselves constantly juggling financial limitations with operational needs, raising the question: How do we balance the two without compromising patient care? Within the department of Interventional Radiology (IR) the answer resides in inventory management. This session will discuss the desired role of a vendor representative when introducing a new product as well as the process by which a product should be selected or eliminated from the IR inventory. By breaking down key concepts such as vendor representative “rules” and regularly scheduled review meetings with key IR stakeholders, one will gain a deeper understanding for the processes by which both the assets and finances can be more effectively and efficiently managed. This will also help create a guideline for the management of operations in regards to vendor representatives. Par levels and the method of inventory management are two other areas where examination is not just important—it is imperative. By the end of the session, individuals will have a grasp on the steps needed to correctly manage par levels. They will also see why manual inventory is a thing of the past, as well as multiple options for its replacement. This change in inventory management will not only effect asset, fiscal and operational management, but also professional development of staff by allowing them to have ownership of inventory levels.

You will learn to:

• Recognize the IR department as an area for supply/cost management review.
• Understand the importance of creating a process for implementing new products.
• Understand all the advantages and implications of a non-manual inventory system.

Enhancing Inpatient Imaging Service Levels Through Process Improvements

Pavel Rabiner, MBA, BSc Eng
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

Kathy Tabor-McEwan, BA, RT(R)
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

Credits: 1.0

Improvement of inpatient imaging services has become an increasing priority for the Department of Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). As a result, a number of projects have been initiated to investigate options of improving operations and enhancing radiology service levels. A project with the pediatric division at MGH investigated the failure points in and possible improvements to the process of imaging pediatric inpatients. The results of this project were then extrapolated to inpatient imaging services for other divisions within the hospital. The project team consisted of major stakeholders in the pediatric inpatient imaging process including pediatric physicians, inpatient floor operations personnel, radiology operations and pediatric radiologists. The team focused on analyzing the entire value chain for imaging inpatients, and identifying failure points that adversely affected either the patient experience or the service levels to referring physicians. The project yielded some key insights into areas of the value chain particularly susceptible to failures. It also identified options for minimizing occurrences of those failures as well as enhancing the patient experience. Suggested improvements included actions that could be implemented immediately (with minimal additional resources) to benefit current operations, as well as long term objectives for more sustainable improvements that require more significant resources to implement.

You will learn to:

• Systematically evaluate the complete value chain for inpatient imaging.
• Identify options for enhancing inpatient imaging, both immediate and long term.
• Plan and structure an end-to-end process improvement initiative.

Web Site Development: Strategies and Objectives for Healthcare Facilities

Nancy J. Speroni, MEd
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

Credits: 1.0
This session is generously sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital.

During the last decade, teleradiology and the digital department have transformed how services are delivered to patients and physicians. As radiology departments expand their reach outside their traditional service areas, one of the most cost effective ways to communicate to existing and potential patients is through a Web site. The key to producing an effective web site is to devise a process that will result in a good balance between your message and your customer’s needs. The speaker will present a step-by-step approach to the Web development process guaranteed to succeed.

You will learn to:

• Reach new markets.
• Design a Web site that is relevant to your target users.
• Design or redesign your web site to save time and money.
• Understand basic Web statistics and how to gain high ranking with search engines.
• Use your Web site to improve customer relations and build brand.

Easing the Change Process: Facilitating Transition Management in Radiology

Charles M. Washington, MBA, RT(T), FASRT
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Credits: 1.0
This session repeats on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

Change is seldom an easy process, particularly in the ever-evolving practices of radiology and radiologic technology. Faced with introduction of new technologies and greater competition of services provided, the radiologic technology practitioner has to learn quickly to stay ahead of the change curve. This lecture will identify the dynamics of transition management and preparation for changing work environments. Areas of exploration will be inclusive of the necessary processes to bring about any desired change. Overcoming employee apprehension and building opportunity for inclusion and buy-in are essential parts of the transition process and will be fully explored. Further, in preparing for any transition, a systematic approach is very important in planning for success. The areas of specific focus include analyzing the organization and its need for change, creating a shared vision and common direction, separation from the past, and creation of a sense of urgency. To be successful, supporting a strong leadership role and lining up political sponsorship is essential. Developing essential enabling structures and programming along with communication essentials will also be an area of discussion. The talk will explore the traits and skills required of change agents and how leadership can establish and define opportunities for a smooth transition.

You will learn to:

• Explore the dynamics and components of necessary, planned transitions, particularly expressed through the evolution of Radiologic Technology practice.
• Define the targets of the change and transition process.
• Understand the process of transition and change resistance.

2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Expanded Sessions

JCAHO 2007-2008 Update for Freestanding Imaging and Diagnostic Centers not Associated with a Hospital

Judith M. Atkins, RN, MSN
McKenna & Associates, Charleston, WV

Credits: 3.0

Freestanding imaging centers surveyed by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) must meet the 2008 standards. This session will cover issues found in freestanding imaging centers and will assist the participants in preparing for unannounced surveys. Feedback will be provided on the results of survey and anticipated changes for 2008.

You will learn to:

• Describe the unannounced survey process.
• List the most noncompliant standards.
• List 2 questions your staff will have to answer.
• Discuss the order review requirement for contrast media.

Why Bother with Crucial Skills? Positive Results + Great Relationships = Business & Personal Success

Simon Lia, BA, MSc
GEMS Consulting/Florida Hospital Consultant, Davenport, FL

Credits: 3.0

How often do you interact with a co-worker who seems to be lacking basic skills, or is acting out emotionally, or is making significant mistakes with treating a patient or is down right obnoxious? If you are like the rest of US healthcare professionals, it is probably monthly if not more often. So, did you speak up to the person and share your concern candidly, fully and respectfully? Don't worry, neither did 90% of your colleagues nationwide. Does it matter? This single ability to be able to speak up, confront and resolve disagreements and disappointments is at the heart of every successful organization, association and family. These crucial skills can be learned and mastered and may be the most powerful tool you will ever find or need to help you achieve the kind of results you have always dreamed of at work, at home and throughout your life. You are going to learn a lot of technical things at this conference—at this session you will learn a set of skills that will help you at home and work and play by ensuring exceptional results and enhanced relationships.

You will learn to:

• “Make it safe” and, therefore, be able to discuss almost anything with almost anyone.
• End a meeting so that projects are completed on time.
• Create emotions which lead to results for you AND others....and you’ll do it without a safety net!

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Breakout Sessions

“Cliff Notes” for an Effective Radiation Safety Program

Emily M. Blomenberg, BS, CRA, RT(R)
Morristown-Hamblen HealthCare System, Morristown, TN

Credits: 1.0
This session repeats on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

The radiation safety program is one of the most fundamentally important responsibilities of today’s radiology administrator. Unfortunately, the duties are usually overlooked and/or handed off to the radiation safety officer or a lead technologist. Often times, the nuclear medicine department leads this task. As we all know, radiation safety should occur in all areas of radiology, not just nuclear medicine. Yet, many administrators are required by their facility to plan, administer, and maintain the radiation safety program. Do you have it all covered? As the cornerstone of our profession, the ALARA principle is embedded into every radiation safety program. Take a walk down memory lane as this session reminds you of the core issues surrounding radiation safety today.

You will learn to:

• Enforce radiation safety principles.
• Identify elements of an effective radiation safety program.
• Implement documents to ensure accurate tracking of exposures.
• Discuss best practice radiation safety guidelines with your staff.

Delivering Radiology Services to Remote Areas: Productively and Efficiently

Joe Moore
Radiology Consultants of Iowa, Cedar Rapids, IA

Credits: 1.0
This session is generously sponsored by Radiology Consultants of Iowa.

Reaching remote towns in rural areas with expert radiology services can be challenging. This same challenge is often true for reaching suburbs or other nearby towns. Many imaging centers are meeting the challenge by implementing an effective mix of technology to enable the electronic exchange of patient images and clinical data, thus expanding the referring community to increase an imaging center's customer base. Implementing the most effective technology mix requires several steps. First, the development of a strategic plan is necessary to determine the most profitable mix of services to be delivered to the desired locations. Second, what technology will best support the strategic plan and when is it available. Perhaps even more important is how it will be implemented. Finally, defining the key success metrics is vital to ensure the plan's objectives are being met in the most effective manner.

You will learn to:

• Understand how an IT executive can work with imaging center business leaders in developing a complete strategic plan.
• Design and build a technology environment that enables an imaging center's business and operational objectives.
• Implement an effective electronic exchange of patient images and clinical data to enhance radiologist productivity.

The Changing World of Radiology Workflow

Randall Swearingen, MBA
Swearingen Software, Inc., Houston, TX

Credits: 1.0
This session is generously sponsored by Swearingen Software, Inc.

With the ever-growing popularity of PACS and Voice Recognition (VR) systems, the workflow of a radiology department is significantly different than in the past. Radiology information systems have historically been designed to complement the workflow of manually processing films, manually reading films and manually typing the results. Many of these steps are now obsolete when PACS and/or voice recognition are utilized. The personnel most affected by the new workflow are technologists, transcriptionists and radiologists because many of their steps are no longer needed. Thus, it is important for a facility, but especially the radiology administrator, to understand the differences in workflow before and after implementing PACS and/or VR in order to reap the greatest efficiencies of automation. The radiology workflow has also significantly changed with the advent of DICOM Modality Worklists. These worklists allow the workstations to request worklists directly from the RIS so that the tech does not have to redundantly type patient information into the modalities. Understanding the new workflow can allow the radiology administrator to eliminate unnecessary steps and thus optimize productivity. Not understanding the new workflow can result in wasted man hours, increased legal risks and dissatisfied radiologists and referring physicians. This session will describe, in depth, the old workflow and the new workflow in generic terms that are non-specific to any particular PACS, VR or RIS products.

You will learn to:

• Understand the differences in workflow of a department in both a PACS/VR and non PACS/VR environment.
• Understand why a new workflow is required in today's technology environment and which areas are most affected.
• Understand which questions to ask vendors in order to ensure a smooth changeover to the new workflow.

3 Minutes to Calm: Restore Energy & Manage Stress

Sherry McHenry
InnerChange4u, Cincinnati, OH

Credits: 1.0

More and more, we are challenged and tested to be effective, efficient and caring while working within a fast-paced environment. Rapid change, work overload, office politics, miscommunications and personal situations can lead to chronic stress and burnout. Research indicates that between 75-90% of physician visits are stress-related and that as much as 85% of illness and disease has stress-related components. The bottom line is that this can be very costly for organizations, especially as burnout tends to target employees who are highly dedicated and enthusiastic. Our ability to cope with daily stressors has a direct impact upon our performance and patient care. Patients can sense when we are not fully present with them. Learn quick techniques to restore inner balance and energy through The Relaxation Response. These are techniques that can be incorporated throughout the day. Learn how to shift out of negative, limiting patterns of thought. Understand the mind-body communication system. This experiential program is designed to teach participants how to relax and communicate with their patients easily and quickly.

You will learn to:

• Employ immediate, useful tools to relieve anxiety.
• Understand the positive effects of The Relaxation Response.
• Enhance patient care.
• Deal with stress personally and within work environment

Substance Abuse on the Job

Cheryl L. Weiss, MS, RT(R)
Gwynedd Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Credits: 1.0

Beginning with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, substance abuse on the job has been brought to the forefront of issues that managers need to appropriately understand and implement. Drug abuse on the job is a serious concern in the health care delivery system. Not only do substance abusers create risks for themselves and others, they cost the institution millions of dollars per year. Identifying signs and symptoms of different substances is important in managing a radiology department. Developing disciplinary procedures is imperative from a legal standpoint and will assist managers in having a clear plan when dealing with substance abusers. Human Resource policies and procedures are often unknown to managers. Becoming familiar with the institutional policy and further providing continuing education to employees will enlighten everyone on the aspects of substance abuse. Sample policies and disciplinary forms will be used for discussion during this session. Stress on the institution, employee, supervisors and the abuser is something that is generally ignored but is important to the morale of the department. Planning a concise, legal sequence of events in terminating an employee is key to limiting the stress and legal turmoil that could arise in these cases. During this presentation, an interactive dialogue will take place. Attendees will also test their knowledge about drug abuse in the workplace. The astounding number of abusers on the job is surprising and scary. Substance abusers are in our workplace and we must do something about it!

You will learn to:

• Differentiate between different drugs and their effects.
• Identify how drugs in the workplace is a safety issue.
• List effective disciplinary procedures when dealing with a substance abuser in the workplace.
• Describe the stress factors that will present in the workplace due to an abuser on the job.
• Recognize fact versus fiction with statistical information on drug abusers and their habits at work.

Avoyding PACS Misteaks - Bin There, Dun That

Michael J. Cannavo
Image Management Consultants, Winter Springs, FL

Anyone who has implemented a PACS system has many things they’d probably do differently a second (or third or fourth) time around. Those who haven’t embarked on the PACS road trip yet often wish they could learn from the experiences of others who have. This presentation addresses many of the mistakes made in both buying and operating a PACS system, be it your first, second or third time around the block.

Having been involved in PACS implementations for 22 years now and installing over 100 PACS systems (and helping to plan for over 200 others) the speaker would love to say he’s seen it all, but the reality is every day is a new experience with new “challenges” to conquer, with many more still to come. As technology changes and vendors come and go, it’s important to understand there is no right way or wrong way but just the smart way to go about implementing and operating a PACS system.

This presentation addresses many of the common (and a few uncommon) mistakes that are made in dealing with PACS, both in buying a system and in their day to day operation.

You will learn to:

• Avoid mistakes made that can cost you both time and money when purchasing a new or replacement PACS.
• Identify options to the most common mistakes made and how you can save tens of thousands of dollars by using alternatives.
• Understand considerations for second generation PACS that can cripple you if not prepared.
• Make sure that day-to-day operations are properly covered- and what can bring your operation down quicker than a Muhammad Ali punch.

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
AHRA’s South Beach Party
Generously sponsored by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals

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