The rise of COVID this year has put the spotlight on radiology and the need to digitally share images. This is important since those who survive contacting COVID may still have ongoing issues in terms of long-term damage to their heart and lungs.
Traditionally, sharing EHRs among medical facilities did not include image sharing. However, an image exchange initiative started by Carequality, and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) offers a way forward for addressing this problem.
Imaging data can pose different challenges and is managed using different tools and standards than clinical document data. Imaging’s place as one of the highest-value pieces of clinical information, underlines the importance of the image data exchange.
Caregivers and COVID patients are negatively impacted by the lack of access to medical imaging in the U.S today. Expanded standards-based exchange of medical imaging enables innovation and improvements that benefit both clinicians and patients. The Carequality Imaging Data Exchange Implementation Guide https://carequality.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Imaging-Exchange-1G-2019/0620-Draft-v1.pdf was released earlier this year.
The Guide has the potential to greatly enhance the use of imaging in treating COVID victims as it will expand the scope of the Carequality Interoperability Framework https://healthit.gov/techlab/ipg/node/4/submissiion/1041 which supports the exchange of medical imaging studies.
The Guide also addresses the capability to exchange Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) imaging exams. It was refined and enhanced by numerous public comments received from medical imaging and Carequality communities.
The Carequality pilot program with early adopters of the Carequality Imaging Data Exchange Implementation Guide has completed initial connections in testing and is expected to go live soon.