DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF PACS TELERADIOLOGY IN JAPAN/

Progress of key technologies for the past 10 years and the state of re alization of PACS and teleradiology in Japan are reviewed. Even though advanced electronic technologies have brought rapid spread of PACS an d teleradiology, the total number of installations is small compared w ith that of Hospital Information System (HIS). The reason of this is l ack of economic incentivies. Merits or benefits of PACS and teleradiol ogy have to be appreciated and paid by reimbursement of the associated costs from health insurance companies. The progress of PACS diffusion has been very rapid for these ten years in Japan, but most systems de ployed are small-sized PACS. Examples of large PACS in Japan are prese nted and a method for integration with HIS and RIS (Radiological Infor mation System) is described. Standardization activities on PACS such a s image data transfer and filing are also introduced. A unique domesti c standard in Japan for IS&C (image save and carry) and electronic fil ing of medical images is presented. The Japanese equivalent of America n standard DICOM is also described. Technology assessment of PACS is a n important theme of study and investigation. An example method of mea surement of pre- and postoperation of systems is briefly discussed.