HONOLULU...Connect Imaging, Inc., developer of customizable PACS (picture archiving and communication systems) for Critical Access Hospitals, has signed an agreement with Tech-Time, Inc., to integrate its PACS with Tech-Time's STAT! Enterprise Medical Management System. The new integrated PACS/EMR (electronic medical record) solution will be offered as a complete system to rural healthcare providers.

According to Philip J. Manly, CHP, DABR, chief executive officer of Connect Imaging, this new product offering will improve efficiency and access to critical patient information for providers by integrating imaging information with patient data in the EMR, such as patient history and lab results. Also, since the STAT! EHR solution has been certified for "meaningful use," the cost of the combined system may be eligible for reimbursement under the Medicare and Medicaid EMR Incentive Programs.

"Integrated PACS/EMR solutions are the way of the future," Manly said. "We are pleased to partner with Tech-Time to deliver a complete PACS/EMR system for Critical Access Hospitals, which can't afford the high prices charged by large vendors. Importantly, this complete system eliminates the need for small hospitals to be tethered to larger regional hospitals for their radiology needs. Now, they can take control of their radiology departments and patient imaging information, and make key decisions based on their individual requirements."

According to Kim Hanson, president of Tech-Time, both companies have extensive experience serving the needs of the rural healthcare market and, as part of that focus, identified a pressing need for a cost-effective, integrated PACS/EMR solution. "Tech-Time and Connect Imaging share a similar philosophy and commitment to serving the unique needs of rural facilities-to provide affordable products that meet specific workflow requirements and help them deliver the highest level of patient care," Hanson said. "This partnership is an unbeatable combination, and one that will have significant benefit for our hospital customers and their patients."

The new integrated PACS/EMR solution is currently available, and Manly said rural healthcare providers already are showing a high level of interest in the combined product.

About Tech-Time
Tech-Time specializes in meeting the information processing needs of rural healthcare providers while meeting the standards of the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Its products and services-including the STAT! Enterprise Medical Management software (Version 1.2)-are oriented toward the unique clinical, fiscal and management requirements of non-urban providers. Tech-Time is a service-oriented company focused on proactively addressing the ever-changing demands of the healthcare industry. For more information, visit www.techtimeinc.com.

About Connect ImagingConnect Imaging Inc., founded in 1999, specializes in providing customized modular PACS, RIS (Radiology Information Systems), and Voice Recognition solutions to meet the exact workflow needs of community hospitals, imaging centers, and specialty practices such as mammography, mobile imaging, and perinatology. The company offers more than 15 different modules and utilities for PACS, RIS, and VR, allowing facilities to have a system designed that meets their exact needs and budgets, yet allows for growth. The company prides itself on having one of the best reputations in the industry for customer support. For more information, visit www.connectimaging.com.

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