The Route to Easy Imaging - the EyeRoute System
Posted on Wed, Dec 23, 2009
One practice’s experience with the EyeRoute® System.By Frank Celia, contributing writer | Dr. Joseph B. Harlan, Retinal Specialist, and Dr. Donna Booth, review the tests of a patient she referred to him for retinal consultation, using their Topcon EyeRoute® Image Management System. |
The Katzen Eye Group had been up and running with its electronic medical records (EMR) system for about five years. They were very happy with it, having realized substantial efficiencies in manpower and cost. But as patient volume grew, and greater numbers of digital diagnostic images began to accumulate on the server, the staff noticed an impact on the computer system's speed.
"It is never fun to hear 'It's too slow,' or 'When it was on paper, I had it right away,'" says Janna Mullaney, Practice Administrator for the Towson, MD group, which employs eight ophthalmologists and eight optometrists. “The seconds really add up by the end of the day."
Seeking a way to streamline the system and enhance its speed, the practice this summer installed the EyeRoute Ophthalmic Image Management System, which stores all the patients' digital images at a single, secure, web-based location. EyeRoute frees the EMR system from having to download and store these bulky image files, while at the same allowing them to be viewed instantly by anyone in the practice authorized to do so.
"Now with EyeRoute we are able to access our imaging studies much quicker, compare tests over time, and analyze and manipulate the captured images in a much more dynamic way," says Richard Edlow, OD, who in addition to treating patients functions as the group's CEO. "It also allows us to store the images via its web-based system, versus continually clogging up our image server."
Installation of the system at Katzen's main and satellite offices was handled almost entirely by Topcon, so there was little interruption in the practice's operation, according to Dr. Edlow. Once EyeRoute was tested and ready to go, Topcon provided three days of on-site training. "Their training staff was extremely knowledgeable and IT literate," Dr. Edlow adds.
So far, the staff has noticed a definite enhancement, says Ms. Mullaney. "Having images stored in another server makes them more accessible and speeds up the performance of the EMR system," she says. "Even in the satellite office, the system is readily available with just a click!"
EyeRoute also seamlessly fits in with the practice’s existing EMR system. Patient images can be viewed instantly, without having to open, close or toggle between different programs.
"There is so much more we can do with our diagnostic images now with regards to chronologic comparisons, manipulation of images and magnifying specific areas, as well as showing and explaining conditions to the patient in the exam room,” explains Dr. Edlow. Plus the extra speed will positively impact patient flow. "It will probably cut a couple of minutes off each exam, which in our practice really adds up," he says.