Mengqi Hu, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

William Pavlicek PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Steve Gerhardt Langer PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Medical Advisory Board, TeraMedica, Inc

Vicki Place, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rafael Miranda, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Teresa Wu, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Our study found iDEM permits accurate analysis of efficiency data for imaging equipment located in different departments or hospitals.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has specified efficiency for devices costing more than 1M (PET, CT, and MRI) using self-reporting and on-site review of a small sample of imaging centers. A method to automatically provide accurate and standardized efficiency reports has been developed. Formal definitions of fundamental metrics of efficiency are proposed: Table Utilization (%), Exam Duration Time (min), Inter-Patient Time (min), Inter-Series Time (min) and Appointment Interval Time (min). These metrics use time stamps from DICOM compliant PACs. The actual use of imaging devices is recorded without disrupting patient exams - standardized and continuously available by administrative staff.

A database uses a parser to capture all DICOM image data when archived via PACS. The images are deleted while the image information is captured and stored. DICOM tag time stamps for each image, modality and specific device, patient ID and location are recorded. A database schema updates information for new devices and software versions and provides alerts to the technical staff for maintaining the database. Definitions of Table Utilization, Exam Duration Time, Inter-Patient Time, Inter-Series Time and Appointment Interval Time are calculated using the time stamp information (Figure 1). Table Utilization (%) is the summed time that images are being acquired for a week, divided by the total time of scheduled operation established for that particular device. Reports are available via a web interface tool. The user generates the desired report by selecting a date range for devices and the time increment and range.

iDEM provides standardized reports of efficiency using DICOM specified values. No disruption of the patient exam occurs and importantly, the 30, 60, and 90 day post evaluations (post Lean Process) are same as the baseline data. Its use has allowed identification of protracted MRI protocols, noon technical coverage for lunch breaks, and effect of extended hour coverage.

Hu, M, Pavlicek, W, Langer, S, Place, V, Miranda, R, Wu, T, Imaging Device Efficiency Manager (iDEM).  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11001059.html