Cable modem access to picture archiving and communication system images using a web browser over the internet

This presentation describes our experiences using a web-based viewing softw are and a browser to view our picture archiving and communication system (P ACS) images at a remote site with cable modem-internet communications. Our testing shows that using a cable modem to access our radiology webserver pr oduces acceptable transmission speeds to remote sites. The average time-to- display (TTD) for 16 computed tomography (CT) images on the web-based intra net system in our hospital was 7 to 8 seconds. Using a cable modem and comp arable equipment at a remote site, the average TTD is 16 seconds over the i nternet. The TTD does not significantly change during various hours of the day. Security for our hospital-based PACS is provided by a firewall. Access through the firewall is accomplished using virtual private network (VPN) s oftware, a secure ID, and encryption. We have found that this is a viable m ethod for after-hours subspecialty radiology consultation. Copyright (C) 20 00 by W.B. Saunders Company.