Newswise — Penn State Health will diagnose and treat its patients using the most advanced imaging systems under a new 10-year agreement with Siemens Healthineers. The agreement ensures the health system’s highly trained staff can provide patients with access to best-in-class imaging solutions at Penn State Health primary, specialty and acute care locations, close to where patients live.
The end result will be enhanced diagnostic services, more precise and efficient imaging and an optimal experience for patients needing radiology, radiation oncology and cardiology services.
“Our relationship with Siemens Healthineers will ensure that we’re providing a similar patient experience and applying the same standards, regardless of where that imaging occurs,” said Dr. Timothy Mosher, chair of the Department of Radiology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “For example, when measuring tumors, it’s vital to calibrate all of our instruments so that the entire health system is using standardized imaging protocols.”
Imaging can be read locally by highly trained radiologists throughout the health system, who can also draw on the expertise of sub-specialized radiologists at Hershey Medical Center as needed. The enhanced connectivity also allows Mosher’s team to virtually guide imaging in real time from Hershey, regardless of where the procedure is happening.
Mosher’s team is also able to monitor radiation safety protocols, ensuring patients across Penn State Health receive the smallest possible dose of radiation.
“This agreement with Siemens Healthineers allows for a more unified and system-level approach to how Penn State Health handles imaging at all of its inpatient and outpatient settings,” said Dr. Mark Labuski, co-lead of Penn State Health Radiology Services. “The patient will benefit from options and the convenience of knowing they will have a similar imaging experience regardless of what Penn State Health facility they are at.”
Penn State Health expects to replace 70 percent of its imaging equipment within the next five years.
The systems already being installed at current and future Penn State Health facilities feature artificial intelligence technologies and enhanced digital connectivity throughout the health system, allowing clinicians to optimize patient diagnosis and treatment plans.
“We are confident that this agreement with Siemens Healthineers will allow us to bring the latest technology and the best value to patients we serve across central Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Peter Dillon, executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Penn State Health.
“We are excited to continue our longstanding relationship with Penn State Health by bringing our latest innovations to Pennsylvania," said David Pacitti, president and head of the Americas for Siemens Healthineers. "By working together, we can focus on increasing operational efficiencies by leveraging the very latest in digitalization and collaboration tools, and medical imaging technology.”
About Penn State Health
Penn State Health is a multi-hospital health system serving patients and communities across 29 counties in central Pennsylvania. It employs more than 16,800 people systemwide. The system includes Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Children’s Hospital and Penn State Cancer Institute based in Hershey, Pa.; Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, Pa.; Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, Pa.; and more than 2,300 physicians and direct care providers at more than 125 medical office locations. Additionally, the system jointly operates various health care providers, including Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Hershey Outpatient Surgery Center, Hershey Endoscopy Center, Horizon Home Healthcare and Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. In December 2017, Penn State Health partnered with Highmark Health to facilitate creation of a value-based, community care network in the region. Penn State Health shares an integrated strategic plan and operations with Penn State College of Medicine, the University’s medical school.
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