Practice Management

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  • 1.  KVM for Multiple PACS

    Posted 10-09-2024 15:15

    Hello All, 

    We currently do not have our own PACS system and need to read from two PACS. We were told that KVM switches were an option for home workstations.  I would like to know the following:

    1. Is this a viable option, especially regarding image quality?
    2. If yes, what were your challenges?
    3. Any recommendation for KVM that's best for radiology

    Any guidance regarding this would be greatly appreciated.  

    Sincerely,

    --Krissy 



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    Krissy Luke MHA
    Executive Director
    Radiology Specialists of the Northwest, PC
    Portland OR
    ------------------------------
    FINAO Solutions: Comprehensive Radiology Solutions


  • 2.  RE: KVM for Multiple PACS

    Posted 10-09-2024 15:32

    Hi Krissy,

     

    We have been operating with up to four different PACS systems at each of our radiology stations by using a KVM for the past decade or so.

     

    We have worked with several KVM vendors and BARCO over the years.

     

    Are you using DVI, HDMI, or DP for your video connections from the cards to the diagnostic monitors?  I am assuming this is for general radiology and not Mammography?

     

     

     

    Michael Johnson

    Hot Springs Radiology Services, Ltd.

    3633 Central Ave, Ste D

    Hot Springs, AR 71913

    501.881.3606 - Direct

    501.623.6693 x105-P

    501.623.9403-F

    mjohnson@hsrad.com

     

    UPCOMING Out Of Office: 11/25/2024 - 11/29/2024, and 12/23/2024 - 12/27/2024

     




    FINAO Solutions: Comprehensive Radiology Solutions


  • 3.  RE: KVM for Multiple PACS

    Posted 25 days ago
    Hi Krissy-

    While there are likely individuals on this thread that can speak to this from more of an IT perspective, I can offer that I have worked with a group that successfully used medical grade KVM switches rather extensively, in covering multiple hospital sites that each utilized separate (and different) PACS, RIS, EHR and dictation software. Many groups and hospital systems have moved to unified reading platforms.

    There was no discernible degradation of images using the KVM's, but I believe the main pain point from the rads perspective was that they were required to completely be logged out of one hospital system before "switching" to read for another. They worked it out in a manner that minimized the switching to be primarily by shift.

    I don't have a particular recommendation for you beyond advising that you research medical grade equipment and work with your IT resource to ensure the connections are compatible with your monitors. Those the group used were purchased from  KVMSwitchesOnline...they were great to work with.

    Feel to reach out to me directly if you have further questions. Happy to help. 

    Laurie Billington BS., R.T.(R)(M)



    FINAO Solutions: Comprehensive Radiology Solutions


  • 4.  RE: KVM for Multiple PACS

    Posted 25 days ago

    This is a common concern for Radiology practices that are diversifying/supplementing their workload with multiple locations.  "Swivel Chainring" has been the go-to solution as it is easy and fast to implement.  KVM's help by eliminating the need for dedicated monitors for each workstation, but swivel chairing is inefficient, can cause quality issues, and is frustrating for the radiologists.  I believe some of the other posts should help with how to best utilize KVM's.  

    BUT... there is a better way.  The goal of match supply to demand in radiology is becoming the holy grail given the shortage of radiologists.  Too often the conversation ends in disappointment because the hospital (who needs coverage) says, "you have to read on my PACS" and the Radiologists (Practice) says, "we will read your studies but it has to be on our PACS." 

    So, the question is how can everyone (the hospital and the radiologists) get what they want, and everyone is happy, efficient, and not wasting money.  

    At Imaging Healthcare Specialists, a 10 location outpatient imaging company, we have partnered with Software companies, Radiology Practices and Hospitals to create a community coverage capability that enables the people who scan patients to get coverage from Radiologists without having to stress over workstations, KVM's and swivel chairing.  

    I'd love to share our experience with you and see if there is a strategy that could help in your situation.  Thanks. 



    ------------------------------
    Ken Brande
    CIO
    Imaging Healthcare Specialists
    San Diego CA
    ------------------------------

    FINAO Solutions: Comprehensive Radiology Solutions


  • 5.  RE: KVM for Multiple PACS

    Posted 24 days ago

    Ken,

    We are currently utilizing KVMs but I've always viewed them as a band-aid solution. I'd love to hear what your experience is as we look towards a better solution.

    Richard Duemmling

    COO
    Neuro Imaging Winter Park

    rduemmling@neuroimagingwp.com



    ------------------------------
    Richard Duemmling
    Chief of Business Operations
    Neuroskeletal Imaging Winter Park
    Winter Park FL
    ------------------------------

    FINAO Solutions: Comprehensive Radiology Solutions