Another important accomplishment for the department is the acquisition of direct diagnostic X-ray equipment. This equipment offers increased accuracy, as well as decreased radiation, especially beneficial to the pediatric population. Conversion to a dictation system, with speech recognition capabilities, has also provided immediate access (by referring physicians) to images and reports. Recently, the department put into place a state-of-the-art Radiology Information System/Picture Archiving Communication System (RIS/PACS) to electronically integrate its computer and tracking networks.

It is noteworthy that the Radiology Department was one of the first in the Metropolitan/New York area to become totally “filmless.” In fact, the use of computer workstations to view “filmless” diagnostic studies represents a major breakthrough. Several clinicians can now view and study radiologic images of a patient at the hospital, or any of its ambulatory sites, thereby enhancing quality and continuity of medical care.

“We, the Department of Radiology team, consider our role in assisting physicians in the diagnostic and treatment process as essential to quality health care, particularly in terms of identifying medical problems at earlier and more treatable stages,” stated Dr. Stern.