PACS direct experiences: implementation, selection, benefits realized.

A picture archiving and communication system (PACS) study was recently performed by KLAS, a national market intelligence firm specializing in monitoring and reporting the performance of HealthCare's Information Technology (HIT) vendors. Fifteen leading PACS vendors are included in the study, which provides a snapshot of today's market performance through the eyes of both users and vendors. KLAS interviewed clients from more than 275 sites, and the study incorporates the opinions of over 345 PACS imaging managers, medical directors, radiologists, chief information officers (CIO), department directors, and vendor executives. Results indicate that the PACS vendors are performing well and overall rate above the HIT industry norm; the market is growing and products are maturing; lines between PACS and radiology, information systems are merging; survey respondents are focusing more on functionality, price, and technology for selection; and the most common benefit of PACS is the cost savings from film and storage.