Winneshiek Medical Center begins using new imaging system

Winneshiek Medical Center has begun using a new Medical imaging program.

PACS ("Picture Archiving and Communication System") enables images such as x-rays and scans to be stored electronically and viewed on screens.  With PACS, x-rays and scans are available instantly and can be examined simultaneously by clinicians in different places.  The images are also clearer and can be enlarged or rotated. 

The implementation of the Winneshiek Medical Center picture archiving communication system is a joint effort with Franciscan Skemp Healthcare – Mayo Health System in La Crosse.  Winneshiek Medical Center director of radiology Julie Katzer says the wait for test results will decrease from 24-48 hours to approximately two hours and sometimes less.  "Test results may very well be available before the patient is back from the test," says Katzer.

Decorah Clinic Radiologist Dr. Richard Remark says, "Through the new digital system, consultations with a patient's primary or specialty care provider may be much more interactive compared to film images. The provider can use the images to assist in patient education as they discuss the results and the healing process."