Q1: How do I get started using Seattle Radiologists’ PACS?
Please call Seattle Radiologists at (206) 292-6233 and ask to be registered and set up with PACS. Or, you may download the PACS registration packet via our website. Once, we receive the registration form, a username and password will be mailed to your office.

Q2: What are the computer requirements to use the Seattle Radiologists PACS?
The most important consideration here is your Internet connection, which must be broadband connection: a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), a cable modem, a T-1 or T-3 line. A dial-up Internet connection would be too slow to view the images. The minimum computer configuration is a 1 Ghz computer with 512MB of RAM. As well, you'll need a Windows-based computer (No Macintosh support currently) with Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP, Microsoft Internet Explorer v6.0 or later (if you don't have this current version, it's a free download from Microsoft).

Hardware: Minimum 1 GHz Pentium, Minimum 512 MB RAM Memory Software: Windows 2000 (SP3 or higher) or XP, Internet Explorer 6.0 or above. Network: Minimum DSL or Cable high-speed connection

The PC running the application must meet the minimum requirements outlined above and be configured properly (i.e. pop up blockers disabled, active X controls, Administrator rights on PC, able to access the internet, etc.). These settings should be reviewed by each office's IT representative upon installation.

Monitors: Monitor Resolution 1024x768, Brightness: at least 250 cd/M2

While PACS images can be viewed on smaller monitors, it is recommended that any new monitors or those with heavy PACS use not be smaller than 18" viewable. However, these may be as large as the user prefers. The most important aspect of the display is the brightness of the monitor and the lighting of the surrounding area.

These will have the highest effect on contrast and image quality.

Q3: Is the PACS HIPAA compliant? Is our patient's confidentiality being upheld?
Yes, each user as a secure user ID and password. Each time you log in, an electronic trail is encoded noting whose images and reports you are viewing or reading.

Q4: How soon will I be able to see my patient's images?
As soon as the technologist “verifies” the images.

Q5: Will the patient's report be available as well?
Yes, as soon as the report is signed by the radiologist you will be able to view and print the report.

Q6: Can the images be burned onto a CD and sent to me?
Yes, we'll gladly send the images to you on CD-ROM via the patient or courier if necessary.

Q7: Will someone show us how to access our images and use the PACS?
Once we qualify your computer system with the above minimum configuration questions, you can call one of our Practice Liaisons for on-site training.

Q8: In what file format can your PACS save the images?
You may choose between jpeg and tiff. JPEG is a smaller more compressed file and has the same quality as the tiff.

Q9: Is PACS safe to access through the web?
Access to our Web site is done through SSL, which is an encryption protocol for transmitting information securely through the internet. Communication between our server and your Web browser is done with a 128-bit encryption algorithm.

Q10: I am trying to access PACS and it is uninstalling the software. Why do I have to reinstall the software?
This happens whenever we have an upgrade to the system which gives you the latest version of PACS.

Q11: What kinds of images are on Seattle Radiologists PACS?
At this time: CT, MRI and Diagnostic X-Rays

Q12: Need more information about PACS?
Call 206-292-6233 or email PACS@searad.com.

Q13: Who is allowed access to the Seattle Radiologists PACS system?
All ordering providers who are granted rights by the Seattle Radiologists. It will be up to each office to determine which personnel should have privileges and to monitor this usage. Each user must have their own account and sign the proper Nondisclosure agreement and Account Set-up form.

Q14: What kind of support can I expect when I call (206)-292-6233 with problems/questions?
During normal business hours (7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) the PACS helpline will be answered by a Systems Analyst who is very familiar with the PACS application. During off-hours, you will be asked to leave a voicemail.

Q15: Can I continue to receive films for my patients?
While we highly encourage everyone to take advantage of PACS, we will continue to provide film on an as-needed basis. In addition, you can also request a CD to be created with a patient's study.

Q16: Can I stay logged on all day?
No you will be logged out after 15 minutes of inactivity. We can adjust this on an individual user basis to meet the needs of the user. Logging back in should take 10-15 seconds (depending on how fast you can type your password).

Q17: How long will it take to load a study's images?
This depends on speed of your connection. You will need to have a "highspeed" connection (at least DSL or cable). Compressed MR and CT studies load at about two seconds/image.

Q18: How far back are images available in PACS? All images done after 1/05 are available in PACS. We are working on loading older exams.