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CHICAGO, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) will highlight workflow enhancements and demonstrate role-based portals, innovative applications and intelligent information systems at the 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from November 30 to December 5 at McCormick Place (Booth #922, East Building/Lakeside Center, Hall D) in Chicago.

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"It is critical to remain at the forefront of the technological revolution and manage the influx of data presented to our customers daily," said Arthur Kaindl, CEO, Image and Knowledge Management, Siemens Healthcare. "As image data volumes increase exponentially, we will continue to develop innovative solutions to manage these challenges. Our solutions are designed to streamline the workflow process, help our customers improve quality-of-care, increase efficiency and reduce costs. A crucial solution, role-based portals, delivers pertinent information in a task-oriented interface to the various types of users, where and when they need it most."

New Portals

syngo(R) Portal Executive(1), for example, is designed to support proactive management of issues relevant to executives and managers. With syngo(R) Portal Transcriptionist(2), Siemens helps transcriptionists achieve greater efficiency and accuracy when transcribing and correcting reports. Many new enhancements were made to syngo(R) Portal Radiologist, as well as syngo(R) Portal Referring Physician(2).

Portal-driven workflow is setting the new standard for best-in-class workflow. With syngo portals, Siemens is focusing on providing solutions that are role-based, context-sensitive and knowledge-driven. The goal is to help the clinical staff to work more efficiently by providing a system that seamlessly provides information from HIS, EMR, LAB, RIS, PACS, and computer-aided detection (CAD). For example, syngo Portal Radiologist gives radiologists focused access to important patient information, such as new and previous imaging studies, previous reports, lab values, and allergies, as well as scanned documents all in one application window. The radiologist sees this information without having to access various separate systems at multiple locations. Task-specific tools and information are available with just one click. All this saves time and effort, improves productivity and quality, and helps reduce the risk of errors.

A New Package for Diagnostic Imaging Centers

With syngo(R) Suite Essential(3), Siemens offers a comprehensive and cost- effective IT package for Diagnostic Imaging Centers, consisting of preconfigured software, hardware, and services. Benefits include:

-- Complete package using industry leading hardware, software, storage, and network technology to create a comprehensive workflow solution

-- Pre-configured solution requires no large capital investment, helping to increase return on investment

-- Modular solution allows healthcare providers the freedom to choose exactly the options they require

-- Training and learning is made convenient through live interactive online training

-- No need for dedicated on-site RIS/PACS administrator, as hardware and software are supported 24x7 by a dedicated Siemens support team

New Software Versions

The new version V70(4) of syngo(R) Imaging XS (PACS) combines cutting-edge features for reading, planning exams, and reporting with easy installation, easy usage, and easy expansion - even for large hospitals - at an attractive cost-benefit ratio. The newest version also includes 3D visualization applications.

Version V35(1) of syngo(R) Imaging (PACS) will feature major "-ility-" improvements, such as stability, scalability, and configurability. It comes with enhanced support functionality for the transition from Magic (the legacy Siemens PACS solution) to the new syngo Imaging PACS, Prior Handling/Multi-Patient Handling, as well as support of syngo(R) MammoReport and syngo(R) Expert-I.

Additionally, these new solutions offer a combination of separate innovative computer-aided detection (CAD) and advanced imaging solutions with the PACS viewing workstation. These intelligent post-processing applications help improve confidence and are geared toward workflow enhancement. State-of-the-art algorithms are the drivers of these applications and the heart and soul of our intelligent post-processing solutions.

Siemens is also showcasing the most recent version of syngo(R) Workflow (RIS). Version MLR V30C is for markets outside the U.S. and SLR V30B is for the U.S. market only. Some of the newest features for version V30C of syngo Workflow (MLR) include:

-- New role-based syngo Portal Transcriptionist(2) with support for speech recognition, digital dictation and offline dictation

-- syngo Portal Radiologist enhancements, such as Medical check of requests, including medical verification and approval of requests

-- syngo Portal Referring Physician(2) enhancements, such as integration with HIS/PIS

-- Billing Dialog enhancements, such as comprehensive dialog for checking documented/billing relevant data

-- Audit Trail enhancements

Siemens is further developing syngo(R) Dynamics (Cardio PACS) to help improve efficiency of clinical procedures in cardiology, and in cardiovascular and obstetrics/gynecology fields. Some of the newest features of this enhanced version 7.0 include:

-- Immediate data transfer between Siemens AXIOM Sensis XP hemodynamics monitoring systems and syngo Dynamics reporting and image management solution

-- Ability to incorporate data from the GE MacLab v6.5 Hemodynamic system to support a multi-vendor environment

-- Introduction of a graphical reporting element to produce coronary tree diagrams, allowing clinicians to rapidly build a representation and text of the diagnostic results and summary of any interventions performed

-- New 17-segment wall-scoring model to match the most current clinical standards

Siemens innovative knowledge-driven solutions provide radiologists, cardiologists, referring physicians, transcriptionists, and executives with the relevant information and knowledge where they need it most - at the point of decision-making.

(1) This information about this product is preliminary. The product is still under development and not commercially available in the U.S., and its future availability cannot be ensured.

    (2) Commercially not available in the U.S.

    (3) Available for sale in the U.S. only.

(4) The information about this product is being provided for planning purposes. The product is pending 510(k) review, and is not yet available in the U.S.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care - from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs around 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2008 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of euro 11.2 billion, orders of euro 11.8 billion, and Sector profit of euro 1.2 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare.