AHMC Goes Digital With Patient Image Records

Adopting Electronic Patient Records Makes it Quicker, Easier to Connect

(AVENTURA, FL, (February 5, 2007) – Aventura Hospital and Medical Center has now gone digital with its new, state-of-the-art patient record system that digitally acquires, stores and retrieves diagnostic images (x-rays) commonly known as the Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS).  This innovative digital PACS system, called Centricity®, was acquired recently from GE Healthcare.|

“Our new PACS system brings to Aventura Hospital and Medical Center and our community another giant step forward into the digital age of healthcare,” says Heather J. Rohan, CEO of Aventura Hospital and Medical Center. “This technology will assist in providing more expeditious care for our patients and is part of the nationwide patient safety efforts to automate the entire patient record.”

This advanced digital technology replaces film and creates images, such as those from X-Rays, CT or MRI exams, directly on electronic plates. Image files are then stored on magnetic discs and can be retrieved on command and viewed digitally, helping physicians make decisions and begin patient treatment much more rapidly. In addition to decreased waiting time for patients, the new technology includes electronic tools that assist in detailed analysis.

“The ability to view diagnostic images quickly on our computer network brings critical information right to the physicians at the point where they are making decisions and administering care,” says Reuven Porges, M.D., Chief of Radiology “Now, there’s no more searching for films or records – the CT or MR image needed is just a click away, helping us to provide better care for our patients.”

About Aventura Hospital and Medical Center

Aventura Hospital and Medical Center is a 407 acute care medical/surgery facility providing award –winning inpatient and outpatient diagnostic, medical, surgical, cardiovascular and cancer services to the communities of northeast Miami-Dade and southeast Broward counties since 1965.  Staffed by more than 700 physicians representing over 50 specialties and 1,300 employees, the hospital meets the healthcare needs of its neighboring communities through continuous program enhancement and service excellence.