Image-Enabled Web Portal Technology Enhances Electronic Health Record Interoperability for Hospitals and Outpatient Imaging Centers

New image-enabled web portal technology is a revolutionary zero-client software platform that enables secure Web access for the real-time exchange of patient information, procedure reports, and digital images. The first FusionWeb application developed specifically for referring clinicians gives radiology providers of any size a cost-effective means of improving system interoperability and workflow efficiency, and allows for an image-enabled electronic health record (EHR).

Merge Healthcare (Milwaukee, WI, USA) recently announced the release of FusionWeb. "After experiencing FusionWeb, we are certain it will bring our referring physician practices and our hospital partners the flexibility and accessibility to consolidate workflow and get through their day with much more efficiency," commented Christine Keefe, chief financial officer at Metro Imaging, LLC (St. Louis, MO, USA), a FusionWeb beta site. "With everyone [who has an assigned, secure logon] able to interact with both work lists and images, nurses in our referring physician's nurses have their daily cases prepared in advance, with minimal effort and little need of phone calls to coordinate efforts." Ms. Keefe continued, "To us, 'zero client means zero hassle,' and we're very excited that there are no more firewalls, ActiveX controls, downloads, or browser upgrades to contend with."

FusionWeb gives hospitals and imaging centers the ability to include diagnostic images as part of a patient's EHR regardless of browser type, operating platform, or security policies, and without the need to install or maintain subsequent visualization devices or software plug-ins. Not only does the availability of images provide referring physicians a more comprehensive view of each patient case, but it also enables an extremely fluid interaction between health care partners in providing treatment.

"Fusion Web is a significant expansion of Merge's vision of interoperability and clinical systems integration, and will definitively improve the exchange of medical images and information," said Tim Kulbago, senior vice president of engineering and development for Merge Healthcare. "Solving the problem of delivering an interactive experience for diagnostic images without the need for plug-ins is a true breakthrough, as this technology assures all clinicians have simple and comprehensive access to an image-enabled health record. This provides tremendous value to health care practitioner and patient alike."

Based on Merge's Cedara WebAccess technology, the FusionWeb application is available for any diagnostic imaging practice. The browser-based workspace brings a unique and customizable set of viewing tools and security features that allow imaging centers and hospitals to brand and maintain their portal for optimal use and efficiency. When bundled with Fusion RIS (radiology information system) and picture archiving and communications system (PACS) products, the FusionWeb application provides online order entry and visibility into patient status for referring physicians.

Merge Healthcare, Inc. develops solutions that automate healthcare data and diagnostic workflow to enable a better electronic record of the patient experience, and to enhance product development for health information technology (IT), device, and pharmaceutical companies.

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