SMAART-Net™ Data Network Reaches Milestone Over 750,000 Patient Images Transmitted in 2005
SMAART Medical Systems Inc. (SMAART) announced today that SMAART-Net™, the first public data network developed exclusively to transmit medical images from imaging centers to physicians has reached a major milestone in its first full year of operation. SMAART’s customers securely and easily transmitted more than three-quarters of a million patient images over SMAART-Net in 2005.
DALLAS, TX (PRWEB) December 21, 2005
SMAART Medical Systems Inc. (SMAART) announced today that SMAART-Net™, the first public data network developed exclusively to transmit medical images from imaging centers to physicians has reached a major milestone in its first full year of operation. SMAART’s customers securely and easily transmitted more than three-quarters of a million patient images over SMAART-Net in 2005.
SMAART-Net is a managed intelligent data network specifically designed for healthcare. SMAART-Net eliminates the need for multiple VPNs – a SMAART customer only needs a single connection to reach anyone else in the world on SMAART-Net.
SMAART-Net uses advanced technology to transmit medical images up to five times faster than conventional networks without losing any image quality. This technology – SMAART-Acceleration –allows centers to be connected by inexpensive DSL or cable connections instead of traditional T1 lines, saving hundreds of dollars per month. SMAART-Net provides state-of-the-art security and encryption, meeting all HIPAA security requirements for image transmission, and is enhanced for maximum “uptime” with automatic 7X24 fault detection. Customers benefit from SMAART technology and features including time-of-day image routing for custom scheduling, image broadcasting for sending simultaneously to more than one location, and SMAART-Track, an interactive tool for managing images.
SMAART-Net was launched in 2004 as part of SMAART’s strategy to accelerate the conversion to “filmless” (digital) diagnostic imaging. Digital imaging greatly reduces one of the largest operating costs of an imaging center - the costs associated with developing, printing, archiving, and distributing x-ray film. Prior to the introduction of SMAART-Net, imaging centers often had to install complex private data networks to fully realize the full cost savings of digital imaging. This was not just expensive, but a maintenance nightmare causing many centers to delay “going filmless.” With SMAART’s network service, even the smallest imaging centers can now easily and affordably implement the communications necessary for a modern operating environment.
Apex Imaging of Bedford, TX uses SMAART-Net to reach many of the physicians that refer patients to its MRI center. Apex provides superior diagnostic services using modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. Apex opened its comfortable new facility in December 2004.
“I know Apex is superior to other imaging centers in our market thanks to SMAART-Net,” said Chris Motherwell, CEO of Apex Imaging and the first SMAART-Net customer. “With SMAART-Net, Apex offers faster service to patients and referring physicians. We send the patients’ images to their physician moments after they leave the scanner. Often patients are scanned in the morning and schedule a consult that same afternoon. This speeds up diagnosis providing peace of mind and convenience.”
SMAART Medical Systems, Inc. is a Dallas-based, national supplier of PACS (Picture Archive and Communication System), RIS (Radiology Information System), teleradiology, and advanced diagnostic software. PACS and RIS systems are the radiology industry’s way to modernize diagnostic image management and eliminate the costs associated with x-ray film. A PACS system allows physicians and technologists to view, store, and manage images from x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT, PET, and other imaging systems. A RIS automates the workflow of an imaging center. A teleradiology system securely transfers a patient’s images via the Internet from the imaging center to an off-site radiologist or physician. Advanced diagnostic software includes computer-assisted procedures such as the virtual colonoscopy or CT angiography. SMAART specializes in turnkey solutions for small to medium-sized imaging centers. Its competitive differentiator is that it marries its economical medical systems with broad network experience, professional services and outstanding customer support. For additional information, visit our website at www. smaart. net.
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