Our initial hypothesis on the difference in productivity between DR and CR is proving true. We achieve substantially better productivity using our DR system. Even more striking is the difference in the time our technologists spend manipulating the two systems, independent of time spent positioning patients and taking x-rays. With DR, they spend an average of 50 seconds per study entering patient data, setting up the study, and sending the finished images to review stations and printers. With CR, they average eight minutes per exam on these functions.
Healthcare continues to experience shrinking resources.
Cuts in hospital reimbursement and the resulting decrease in capital funds have slowed our plans for PACS installation. The current technologist shortage presents an ongoing problem. We believe that the productivity advantages of direct digital radiography will play a critical role in meeting these challenges.