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Andrew Krecek is hard-wired to solve problems. An electrical engineer by trade, he spent about a dozen years in software development, writing complex software for advanced process control systems like chemical reactors and did numerous projects for the pharmaceutical industry. During that time, the integration between information systems and control systems began to happen. That’s when Krecek discovered he really enjoyed the IT component of his work.
In one position, he worked for a company that provided onsite clinical services for many large self-insured organizations such as Continental Airlines. He was also a consultant for several years, working on diverse projects including disaster recovery and selecting EMRs, primarily for inpatient facilities. The renowned Children’s Hospital of Cleveland was one of his key clients. Ultimately, Krecek was recruited to serve as Clinical Information Officer for the Faculty Group Practice of a major academic healthcare institution where he has now been employed for 15 years.
Fujifilm recently spoke with Krecek about his experience with Synapse PACS and his views on enterprise imaging.
Fujifilm: In your current position, what challenges were you experiencing with the facility’s former PACS system?
Krecek: First, an important fact to note is that we are an ambulatory-only shop. When I took the position, we were on a shared PACS with one of our hospital partners. A big pain point of that was that we didn’t control the upgrade cycle or integrations. It was more about controlling the software and dictating how it should be presented and run. A major pain point was getting our people access.We had to submit requests to the hospital and it was just a painstaking, laborious process.
In addition, the hospital had its own priorities, which unfortunately we weren’t on top of the list. I wanted to solve these going issues, which is what led us to the decision that we really needed to have our own PACS. I took charge and made the case that we really needed to have a standalone PACS in order for our radiology service line to blossom.
Fujifilm: Ultimately, you chose Fujfilm’s Synapse Radiology PACS. Why?
Krecek: We selected Fujifilm because our radiologists really liked Synapse PACS. It also helped that the hospital was also using Synapse, so our physicians weren’t working in two different systems. It was pretty much a no brainer to select Fujifilm based on the track record and the physician acceptance of the current system and finally, our radiologists practice at both locations so by having the same PACS at each place they benefit from the continuity.
Fujifilm: What are some of the benefits your organization has experienced with Synapse PACS?
Krecek: We’ve been able to accomplish a great deal like controlling the integration cycles or the integration with different modalities. We’re also able to offer our community providers a portal to review reports and get results. We were able to accomplish all of that by having our own Synapse PACS.
Fujifilm: Did your radiologists have to work remotely during COVID-19 and how did Synapse PACS perform under those circumstances?
Krecek: They were working remote for some time. They didn’t have any complaints about the PACS. There were no comments about sluggishness or downtimes. I view no complaints as a win for us!
Fujifilm: What is your philosophy on enterprise imaging? What do you think the future looks like for enterprise imaging?
Krecek: Enterprise imaging’s goal is to synchronize patient medical records, images and reports offering caregivers a longitudinal and single view of the health record accessible virtually anywhere to assist in formulating the most informed decisions about patient care. One of the core challenges for us in achieving exceptional coordinated care is that virtually all of our patient images are spread across multiple departments or external organizations.
In simplistic terms, caregivers should be able to share, pull, or send images from any vendor system—and from other health systems— and locate images on a particular patient across the board with minimal effort. That’s what the future holds for all of us.