This one is filmless imaging, a new software program in the Radiology Department's offerings. Filmless imaging is called PACS - Picture Archiving Communications System. It enables images such as x-rays and scans to be stored electronically and viewed on video screens so that physicians can access the information and compare it with previous images at the touch of a button.

"The benefit to radiologists is faster and easier access to patient images, resulting in quicker response to physicians and better care for patients," said Art Doloresco, CEO.

"PACS replaces hard-copy based means of managing medical images, such as film," said Doloresco. "It enables practitioners at various locations to view the same information at the same time. The flow of information will be faster, therefore, turnaround times for reading images will be greatly improved resulting in better clinical outcomes."

Filmless radiology also benefits the environment, said Anthony Moreno, PACS administrator. "We will purchase less film so fewer chemicals will need to be used in the developing process, leading to less hazardous waste to be disposed of," said Moreno.

The investment in PACS was a condition of the sale of the Medical Center to LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. in July, 2005.

"We are delighted to be moving forward with the commitments to the Medical Center and the Dan River Region in improving the quality of healthcare," said Doloresco. Already, the Medical Center has installed equipment to enable the performance of knifeless brain surgery, and construction is continuing on the build-out of the 5th floor of the Landon R. Wyatt, Jr. Tower.

The PACS system will comply with privacy laws, and Danville Regional will have 24/7 support and upgrades in software and hardware as part of its contract.

Danville Regional purchased the PACS from NovaRad Corporation, a Utah company which has installed PACS at more than 115 healthcare organizations.