Further prospective studies are needed to determine if everyone returned to his or her original level of cognitive ability. A number of ongoing neuropsychological, neurologic, molecular and environmental research studies also are under way. A new imaging system eliminates film and allows images to be viewed on computer screens in the hospital or in the offices of referring physicians with Internet access. The system includes not only X-rays but also imaging studies including ultrasound, magnetic resonance images, computed tomography, angiograms and nuclear medicine scans. As soon as an X-ray or other image is taken, it is available on the system.
Radiologists can change the view, zoom in or enhance the image.
We can read scans within minutes and can help colleagues in other parts of the building or in outside offices make medical decisions. It will also significantly lower medical costs by eliminating duplication of studies and reducing the length of hospital stays for some patients. A radiologist on one floor, for example, and a surgeon in the operating room can simultaneously view the same image. In fact, with no film to store or lose, there is no limit to the number of specialists who can view the same image at the same time. The Medical Center began installing the filmless radiology system in April and has now completed the first phase.