December 16, 2010 – A next-generation intelligent post-processing solution has been introduced that improves how CT, PET-CT and MRI data is organized, managed, analyzed and reported. CaseReader, by DataPhysics Research, was launched at the 2010 Radiological Society of North American (RSNA) meeting in Chicago.
New digital scanning technologies, healthcare reform, and the aging population will further increase the amount of image data radiologists must handle. Furthermore, the number of radiologists is expected to increase by only 7.5 percent in the next five years, while reimbursements are eroding by 5 percent a year.
With its 3-D imaging capability and its radiology informatics tools, CaseReader slashes the time and cost of processing and interpreting image data by up to 50 percent. Referring physicians and patients receive final reports much faster, which improves patient care and assists with future planning and follow-up. Radiologists also receive a number of business benefits, including rapid ROI, reduced total cost of ownership and CAPEX/OPEX, and more.
"By eliminating today's manually intensive slice-by-slice radiology analysis and rapidly delivering comprehensive 3-D diagnostic imaging results, CaseReader is revolutionizing the way radiologists read digital images," said Steve Douglas, CEO of DataPhysics Research.
Because it lays over existing mainstream picture archive communications systems (PACS) and viewing applications, it is the first solution to be entirely within the radiologist's workflow. Users do not need to learn a new user interface or substantially change their current workflow and applications. The company is collaborating with leading imaging PACS OEMs to embed it in their systems as part of a comprehensive solution to today's market challenges.
The product is based on the following three core technologies:
• Augmentor. The Augmentor captures and consolidates detailed patient information from multiple sources such as the ordering report and the patient's prior medical history, digitizes it, and makes it available for the radiologist to review.
• Anatomy Image Dashboard (AID). The AID creates a computerized, scalable, 3-D electronic map of anatomical elements, constructed from 2-D slices generated by CT, PET-CT and MRI systems. Image data can be displayed in axial image formats and also in sagittal and coronal multiplanar reconstructions. As each 2-D slice is viewed, the corresponding 3-D image is displayed simultaneously, saving time and effort in post-processing. Radiologists can manipulate the 3-D images in all three planes of freedom for optimal, rapid viewing of regions of interest.
• Active Report (AR). The automated AR shrinks report size, reduces errors and maximizes reimbursement levels by customizing reports to the referring physician's specifications. Observation templates tied to CPT codes ensure that all required anatomy-specific impressions are completed and notated. Embedded 2-D and 3-D images help communicate results to referring physicians and patients, and thus help improve patient care. A checklist ensures that all reimbursable items are included in the final report. The report is conceived as the radiologist reads the exam, resulting in a clearer report and faster turnaround time.
Because the company employs a hybrid SaaS model, the product is provided free of charge. It requires no upfront investment or expensive license fees. A fee is generated only when a radiologist uses the software for a study. This model allows users to reduce their operating expenses by eliminating expensive licensing agreements with advanced imaging vendors. CaseReader is in beta and will be commercially available in Q1 2011.
For more information visit www.dpresearch.com.
July 25, 2024 
