ROCHESTER, N.Y., October 13 -- US Oncology, one of the nations largest health services networks focused exclusively on cancer treatment and research, has selected KODAK DIRECTVIEW PACS System 5, a component of KODAK CARESTREAM Information Management Solutions, as the recommended image management platform for its network of 82 community-based comprehensive cancer centers and 13 radiation-only sites. The decision was announced by Eastman Kodak Companys Health Group during the annual American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) show.

Our committee of network physicians and clinical, administrative and technology staff evaluated vendors to determine who best understood the specific needs of our oncology practices and was able to meet our unique requirements, said Ken Ewers, U.S. Oncologys Director of Cancer Center Services Technology. Kodak demonstrated that they had a clinical understanding of oncology workflow and worked with us to develop a solution that meets both our clinical and business needs.

KODAK CARESTREAM Information Management Solutions enable cancer treatment facilities to store and manage patients diagnostic imaging examsand in the future treatment imaging captured by a variety of different systemsall from a central database. Images and reports are available to referring physicians via the Internet, replacing the time-consuming task of producing and mailing film or CDs. These solutions not only improve staff productivity and efficiency, but also reduce overall costs associated with information storage and archiving.
Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, a Denver-based practice in the US Oncology network, installed a KODAK CARESTREAM Information Management Solution in its 13 offices and five comprehensive cancer centers throughout Colorado. It is the first US Oncology network practice to implement this system and to transition to a completely digital environment for its diagnostic and oncology imaging. Today, images within the practice are automatically delivered, along with prior exams, to the appropriate radiology group for interpretation, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the time it takes for reports and images to become available to physicians for viewing via the Web.

The KODAK CARESTREAM Solution improves staff productivity and efficiency. Our new automated, electronic process eliminates hours spent producing and couriering films or CDs to radiologists and physicians. But most importantly, our patients receive results in four to 24 hours instead of three days, said Lisa Bruehahn-Propernick, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers Radiation and Imaging Services Director.

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