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Boston, MA -- AMICAS, Inc. a leader in radiology and medical image and information management solutions, has released Vision Series PACS Version 4.2, a release representing significant advancements to its proven image management software platform. Vision Series PACS Version 4.2 was formally released on August 30th, 2006 following a successful deployment at Newman Regional Hospital in Emporia, Kansas.

Vision Series PACS Version 4.2 was designed with three fundamental goals in mind: The first goal was to implement nearly two hundred feature requests and enhancements from existing AMICAS customers. The second goal was to advance the already robust clinical workflow communication capabilities native in the exclusive AMICAS RealTime Worklist^TM. The third goal was to introduce an architecture with highly robust archiving and disaster recovery capabilities.

"We approached AMICAS with a feature request that would help improve our multi-site, distributed reading workflow," said Anthony C. Toppins, M.D, Musculoskeletal Radiologist and CIO, of American Radiology Associates. "AMICAS listened to our needs and designed a solution in version 4.2 of Vision Series PACS that I expect will dramatically improve the efficiency of our complex imaging operations. It is rare to have a vendor that values your partnership enough to actually use your feedback in the prioritization of product features and subsequently deliver a robust solution." American Radiology Associates is a 53 person multi-subspecialized private and teaching practice serving more than 47 hospitals, imaging centers and office locations. The practice consists of over 50 radiologists specializing in Body Imaging, Neuroradiology, Musculoskeletal, Interventional Radiology, Breast Imaging and Nuclear/PET and provides advanced image interpretation services on a global basis using AMICAS Vision Series PACS.

AMICAS is intensely focused on ensuring and growing customer success. This broad commitment is evident in the growth of service capabilities over the last year including the introduction of Net Promoter Score management concepts and the introduction of features and functionality that come directly from AMICAS customer input. Vision Series PACS Version 4.2 further reinforces this commitment by including nearly 200 feature requests and enhancements from the company's customer base.

This customer-focused phenomenon was one of the leading reasons that AMICAS was recently awarded the 2006 North American Medical Imaging Customer Product Value of the Year Award by Frost & Sullivan. "AMICAS truly pays attention to its customers' needs and has developed an unsurpassed culture of innovation," said Nadim Daher, research analyst with Frost & Sullivan. "AMICAS demonstrates the most rapid turnaround time between the customer expressing a particular need or desire and incorporating the idea into the AMICAS solution set. This continuous well-oiled cycle allows the company to maintain its position at the cutting-edge of technology at all times and to take full advantage of the flexibility and nimbleness that characterizes focused, mid-size companies. Most importantly, it keeps AMICAS' customers satisfied, places them in a more active role, and ultimately makes their strategic vision a reality."

Vision Series PACS Version 4.2 has also extended the inherent advantages associated with real-time communication in the exclusive AMICAS RealTime Worklist^TM. The release includes a suite of enhancements designed to enhance workflow and communication through effective management of clinical information at the point of care in the RealTime Worklist^TM. These enhancements reduce the number of interruptions for clinicians and improve the efficiency of the imaging operation. These improvements empower clinicians with better clinical data whenever and wherever they need it - ultimately resulting in better patient care and better value from their image management platform. One example from this suite of enhancements is enhanced bi-directional interface capabilities with HIS/RIS systems for superior communication and workflow.

Another example from this suite of workflow enhancements is the ability to display and prioritize exams based upon multiple levels of clinical severity in the AMICAS RealTime Worklist^TM. Mr. Rodney Hawkins, vice president of product development at AMICAS, Inc. said, "We know that an imaging environment is far more complex than a simple `STAT' message. The key to empowering radiologists and technologists is ensuring that they have all of the necessary information at their fingertips without requiring them to use multiple applications or alternative forms of communication. By consolidating the availability of this information in real-time, we believe that our customers will be more productive and successful."

Vision Series PACS Version 4.2 also introduces highly robust archiving and disaster recovery capabilities with Tivoli© Storage Manager (TSM) from IBM. Mr. Hawkins noted, "The AMICAS storage architecture is designed for flexibility, scalability, and security. Using a best of breed storage management platform such as TSM allows our customers to use a wide array of devices and receive outstanding support. AMICAS has augmented the strength of the TSM platform with industry best practices for disaster recovery planning and execution. These enhancements will improve both the effectiveness and efficiency of the disaster recovery solutions for AMICAS' customers."