MILWAUKEE, WI – Metro Imaging is among several imaging centers successfully using its radiology information system (RIS) and picture archiving and communication system (PACS) to help streamline operations in response to Medicare reimbursement declines associated with the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.
From 2006 to 2007, reimbursement dropped 10 percent across the board, and reimbursement for MRIs and CT scans declined 20 percent to 40 percent, respectively, according to Christine M. Keefe, CFO of St. Louis-based Metro Imaging.
In response, Metro Imaging made minor adjustments to its staffing and hours of operation, renegotiated service contracts and reduced preventive maintenance sessions, she said. However, the organization realized it needed to increase volume, and decided to turn to West Allis, Wis.-based Merge Healthcare.
“With our strong Merge RIS/PACS environment, we’ve identified opportunities to automate previously manual processes, enhance workflow and increase throughput without adding costs,” said Keefe. “The system is flexible enough to be customized for our needs, without requiring significant time or expense.”
The company relies heavily on Merge RIS/PACS reporting to secure tangible measures that help improve service and work distribution, according to Keefe. The program allows for more monitoring of staff productivity, looking at each transcriptionist and seeing how many patients each person has scheduled and checked in.
To help drive volume, Metro Imaging also implemented Onsite Results in June 2007. The program lets patients get preliminary results before leaving the imaging center.
“Patients love it,” said Keefe, “and we can offer this ‘real-time’ service only because our blended PACS, RIS and digital dictation capabilities give us the efficiency to do so.”
After the first full year of the Onsite Results program, Metro Imaging’s volume grew by 4 percent, yet no additional staff has been hired in that time, according to company officials.
“Outpatient imaging is a highly competitive market area. We are constantly evaluating our physician referral base,” said Keefe. “The information we extract from our RIS/PACS allows us to target marketing efforts and monitor trends closely.”
The RIS/PACS also helps to monitor each site’s workload to evaluate when exam hours should be expanded or reduced and fine-tune staffing, among other duties. Turn-around time, wait time and dictation time are also monitored to trouble-shoot potential bottlenecks.
“We truly use our Merge RIS/PACS to help manage our business,” said Keefe. “Our goal is to provide excellent quality and service and our system helps us meet that goal.”