Name of the Procedure:

Medical Image Sharing via DICOM Format
Technical Term: DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Image Data Exchange (G9340)

Summary

This procedure involves sharing DICOM format medical images with non-affiliated external healthcare facilities or entities, in a secure and searchable manner, given patient authorization. This service ensures that medical imagery is accessible for at least one year following the study, aiding in continuity of care.

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to facilitate the secure transfer and sharing of medical imaging data to support diagnosis, treatment planning, and continuity of care across different healthcare providers. It ensures that high-quality medical images are accessible for secondary opinions or ongoing treatment without reliance on physical media.

Indications

• Patients who have had imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRIs, CT scans) completed.
• Need for specialist consultation or second opinion.
• Transfer of patient care to another healthcare facility.
• Regular monitoring of chronic or complicated conditions.

Preparation

• Patients need to authorize the sharing of their medical images.
• Ensure that all relevant patient consent forms are signed.
• No specific dietary or medication restrictions are generally required for this sharing procedure.

Procedure Description

1. Data Collection: Gather DICOM format image data from the originating healthcare provider’s imaging system.
2. Authorization: Obtain explicit patient authorization for data sharing.
3. Data Encryption: Securely encrypt the imaging data to protect patient privacy.
4. Upload and Indexing: Upload the encrypted data to a secure, media-free, and reciprocally searchable database.
5. Access Control: Ensure only authorized external healthcare facilities or entities can access the images.
6. Notification: Notify the external facility that the data is available for review.

Duration

The process of sharing and making images available typically takes a few hours to a day, depending on the volume and complexity of the data.

Setting

This procedure is performed in the IT department of the originating healthcare facility, with no need for patient presence.

Personnel

• Radiologists and Imaging Technicians
• Health Information Technologists
• IT Security Specialists
• Administrative staff to handle patient authorization and communication

Risks and Complications

• Data breaches if appropriate security measures are not followed.
• Potential delays in data accessibility due to technical issues.
• Misuse or unauthorized access if patient authorization is improperly managed.

Benefits

• Improved coordination of care across multiple healthcare providers.
• Timely access to diagnostic images for enhanced treatment planning.
• Reduced need for repeat imaging studies, lowering patient exposure to radiation and other imaging risks.

Recovery

• No physical recovery needed as this is a data sharing procedure.
• Patients may engage in normal activities immediately after granting authorization.

Alternatives

• Physical transfer of imaging data via CDs or other media: More cumbersome, risk of data loss or damage.
• Direct transmission through secure email: Limited by file size and complexity, less searchable.
• Manual re-imaging or re-scanning at the new facility: Time-consuming, increases patient exposure to imaging procedures.

Patient Experience

Patients will experience minimal, if any, direct interaction with this procedure beyond providing consent. Comfort and pain management are not applicable as it is an administrative process.