Andover, Mass., USA - Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) has announced the development of an optimized repair and tracking system for mobile diagnostic imaging systems, anticipated to improve overall efficiencies significantly. These imaging systems, which are placed into custom 18-wheel mobile coaches, are in transit and because routes may change, locating units and making repairs has been a challenge for service providers. With Philips Remote Services (PRS) for Mobiles, the process can be made more efficient through the use of global positioning system (GPS) location technology, Internet data connectivity, and standard voice service to diagnose and potentially repair the imaging equipment remotely.

Philips mobile systems for diagnostic imaging-magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine and cardiovascular labs-are in operation by healthcare providers on average of 12 to 15 hours a day, six days a week. When equipment malfunctions, patients and care providers are forced to delay imaging procedures until the repair is completed. Often times a patient who has already been prepped for a scan may have to be rescheduled if the system is not back up quickly. This is not only frustrating to the patient, but it also increases the service providers' overall operational costs and, most importantly, may delay diagnosis.

The tracking system was developed to counteract these issues and streamline the process of analyzing system data and anticipating potential problems. The PRS includes a combination of networking links and hardware, which facilitate the ongoing maintenance necessary to implement Philips' advanced remote services platform. This secure, single point access for all Philips equipment via Internet VPN, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), or analog connectivity enables the malfunctioning equipment to be immediately pinpointed.
The benefits of real-time visibility and traceability of these mobile systems enable healthcare organizations to proactively monitor operations, efficiently troubleshoot and potentially resolve problems remotely within minutes and before they become bigger issues.

"Philips Remote Services for Mobiles is a valuable asset management technology that has helped our organization better understand our system environment and helped the Philips field service team perform in a faster and more effective manner," said John Roberts, Jr., M.Sc., Director, Mobile Operations, Integral PET Associates, Inc. based in New York and Paoli, Penn. "Further, we have experienced an increase in overall system performance, and I have seen a decrease in the number of system issues coming to me at all hours."

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