Algotec to Introduce New Communications Tools For Referring
Physicians at HIMSS 2000

Algotec Systems, Ltd., the innovative PACS and radiology image processing company, introduces two new products to streamline communication with referring physicians as well as an Application Service Provider (ASP) model for pay-per-use service at the Health Information Management  Systems Society (HIMSS) meeting in Dallas April 9 to 13.

Algotec’s new Med-e-Mail software will automatically and conveniently combine radiology reports with thumbnails of key medical images and e-mail them to referring physicians over the Internet.  “Such images sent along with a report are useful in helping the physicians understand the radiologist’s conclusions,” said Kobi Margolin, vice president of marketing for Algotec’s Duluth, Ga.-based U.S. subsidiary.  “Typically referring doctors do not want or need to see the full radiology study.” 

For those in need of greater detail, such as neurosurgeons and orthopedists, a link will be available to pull up the complete study through the Internet.  Doctors will be sent full diagnostic-quality data and all necessary viewing and processing tools through JAVA.  No special software will be required.

For referring physicians who do not yet use the Internet or read e-mail, CD Surf will automatically store these illustrated reports as well as the entire study on a CD-ROM, which patients can take to the referring doctor. 

CD images represent significant cost savings over film.  A CD-ROM costs about one-third the price of a sheet of film.  It can store up to 650 MB of data, more than enough for any imaging study, while the same study may require two to 10 sheets of film.  Therefore, the CD-ROM can reduce costs to a fraction of film.   Moreover, the CD will contain original data, while the film would be second-generation.

Both products are important new communications tools.  For freestanding clinics, in particular, they represent an excellent way to enhance communication with referring physicians and build additional referrals.

Algotec has been a recognized leader in the medical imaging information management, processing, teleradiology and PACS arena since 1993.  Until recently, it developed components for major PACS manufacturers as well as marketing them under its own name.

Algotec will announce details of its ASP model at a press conference on Tuesday, April 11, from 2:30 to 3PM. For further information about Algotec, call 770-291-2022 or visit their website at www.algotec.com .