Thursday, September 12, 2013

Digital X-ray System Enhancing Radiology Productivity



Digital Navigator all in one 4-Ways Veterinary Digital X-ray System
Enhancing Radiology Productivity

When your Veterinary Hospital or Clinic begins planning its new digital radiology equipment purchase it makes good sense to evaluate the latest in mobile / portable x-ray all in one solutions for your center’s imaging department. Joe Hecker who is President of Diagnostic Imaging Systems (DIS) and product development director for the department of imaging services, explains that the changes in Radiology equipment usage and economics inspired by feedback from technologists, Veterinarians and radiologists has lead to the development of the most advanced, versatile and cost effective all in one digital radiology system available.

“The reasons we got into product development was based on Doctor’s concerns and complaints about the current digital imaging equipment’s non-mobility, lack of user friendly features and subsequent compromising quality,” says Mr. Hecker. “And from the technologists’ stand point; there had also been issues with lack of functionality.” To enhance the productivity for both the Veterinarian and the technologists, Mr. Hecker and his team of experts set out to develop the first totally new fully self contained mobile / portable digital radiology system that would address their concerns. He explains that past experience with their stationery digital DR systems had been very positive, but lacked the mobility / portability and ease of use necessary to make them truly versatile solution to the needs of the entire Veterinary facility. This lack of Versatility which led to the subsequent compromising image quality of the present digital system inspired the team to seek the functionality and versatility that the company’s Versa-View x-ray System offered but now offer it with digital capability.

First productivity-enhancement: Any room flexible operation.
A mobile / portable DR digital table system which offers detachable x-ray unit and removable DR panel was essential because most veterinary facilities contain more than just a radiology room, most facilities also contain an emergency room, surgical center with operating room and a recovery room, all of which would share the Versa-View Digital Navigator x-ray System. “Being able to share the Digital Navigator between and within these rooms while seeing the image results by the patient’s side enhances clinical efficiency while providing faster better patient care,” says Mr. Hecker. “With the maneuverability, the compact size, the speed of processing, and the image quality the new redesigned Digital Navigator would prove to be a perfect fit in any clinical environment, small or large animal”.

Second productivity-enhancement: In Field Small and Large animal productivity.
During development of this new system Mr. Hecker realized an opportunity to support the small animal imaging plus the large animal in facility mobility needs plus the field x-ray capability without compromising quality. Mr. Hecker explains that with their new Digital navigator systems sharing capability the veterinarian would no longer have to purchase an additional x-ray system nor the additional Digital image capture device. Equine doctors have indicated how they needed to go to a Digital Navigator system because of its fast and high quality images plus it was the ideal single solution for both in office and field usage and would fit in perfectly.

Third productivity-enhancement: Ultra powerful, Ultra light high capacity x-ray unit.
When you’re dealing with a large breed Canine abdomen or Equine shoulder, it’s important to have the ability to properly penetrate thick body parts in the shortest exposure time possible. “One of the reasons our Digital Navigator systems outperform all the others is because this system has the Ultra powerful 12040Hf high capacity x-ray unit’s 120kVp power setting, producing sharper detailed images with less exposure time than the competitors’ units and is Ultra light weight for easy handling”, Mr. Hecker notes.

Fourth productivity-enhancement: All in one improved workflow and productivity.
Soon, the development team found a Fourth productivity-enhancing use for the Digital Navigator’s Mobile System: With its patient side image viewing while in office and field, the DR Digital Navigator also aided with improving technologist workflow and Veterinarian productivity.  A special hospital project aimed at reducing the time in the main emergency room for report turnaround on possible fractures and foreign bodies, they again selected the 4 way all in one Digital Navigator with integral high capacity x-ray unit, computer imaging display and mobile imaging table combination. Mr. Hecker explains that the decision was driven by lengthy procedure time required by the facilities regular x-ray system. “You had to take the x-ray, process it, look at it, send it to the PACS, then pull up the PACS in the OR room,” he recalls. “We realized the only way we could get any faster was to get away from the old system and integrate all the components.”

“Today”, Mr. Hecker stated, “now images are processed right on the Digital Navigator system; the Veterinarian sees the image in the preferred x-ray examination area, and can rapidly make a determination about whether a fracture has occurred or foreign object is present.” With the planned addition of wireless internet capability, Mr. Hecker anticipates even greater increases in productivity. “The Veterinarian, technologists and referring physicians will be quite happy with the new digital Navigator’s all in one 4 way productivity performance” he concludes.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Small Animal Digital X-Ray Systems: Three Price Point Options



Ready to choose your next small animal digital x-ray system?
The new Digital Navigator Systems provide you with Three Price Point Options

Justifying costs for new X-ray equipment is very difficult in this day and age due to a slow economy.  However, the X-ray modalities are a necessity of life for most veterinary facilities.

Many of our customers express that they NEED X-ray. They WANT digital but they do not want to spend the money that it takes for a full-fledged digital room.  The good news is that there is more than one way to achieve digital.

Option 1: CR Navigator Systems

CR 4000 and CR 2000


The least expensive way is to purchase a CR system to complement your analog X-ray. But this involves placing an extra step between the exposure and acquisition of the x-ray.

Examples: CR Navigator from DIS, All Pro Scan-x, Carestream Direct View Vita, Kodak Point of Care, Agfa CR

Option 2: DR Navigator portable DR Flat Panel System

DR 3500



On the other end of the spectrum is a fully born 14x17 portable Digital X-ray unit. These tend to be the most expensive, but also the most efficient when it comes to speed of play between exposure and acquisition.
Example: DR Navigator 3500C from DIS, GE XR/D
There is however a middle ground...

Option 3: DR Navigator digital flat Plate Retrofit for Analog X-ray Systems
DR 4300

Any analog X-ray system can be retrofitted with a 17x17 DR digital flat plate.
Examples: DR Navigator 4300C from DIS, Krystal Rad 560, Carestream DRX-1, Flex DR.

There are many different types of digital plates on the market, but I would like to focus on the DR Navigator that I believe to be the most cost-efficient.
DR Navigator plates are the most cost-efficient of the digital plates.
The DR Navigator plate differs from other plates by the way it connects to the X-ray system. DR Navigator plates can be moved from the tray in the table to the tray in the wall bucky easily, and are connected to the computer system by wire.
Both wireless and dedicated options are a little bit more convenient, however tethered is by far the most cost-efficient way to do it. The cost is generally about half of what a wireless plate would cost, and also about half the cost of the dedicated plates because only one plate is required instead of two.  It will also save considerably on service for the plates in the years to come.

Now Your Ready to choose your new digital navigator x-ray system.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Portable X-Ray Machines...Choices, Choices, Choices

When it comes to purchasing a Portable X-Ray machine, the task can be a daunting one.  There are so many products to choose from that it can be difficult to know what the differences are and what you really need for your Veterinary practice.

Some questions you need to have answered are...What is the kVp? What is the maximum mA? How heavy is the portable x-ray unit? Does it come with a warranty? And of course, how much does it cost?

But really, the only question you should have to answer is....What type of Veterinary Practice do I have?

That's because Diagnostic Imaging Systems has taken the guess work out of choosing a Portable X-Ray unit and made it easy for Veterinarians to see exactly what they need.

We have broken out every possible type of Veterinary practice and made our Portable X-Ray Recommendations. All you need to do is simply click on your practice type and we show you which of our Industry-Leading Portable X-Ray units would best suite your practice and why. We will show you all of the specifications and let you easily compare our unit to the competition so you can make an informed decision as to which Portable X-Ray unit is the best choice for your practice.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Save Money By Repairing Your AllPro ScanX or Portable X-Ray Machine

 Extend the life of your veterinary equipment and save money with Diagnostic Imaging System's veterinary equipment Repair Program for AllPro ScanX Repair or Portable X-Ray Repair! If your current equipment isn’t working right, most other veterinary equipment companies can only SELL you a new piece of veterinary equipment. Diagnostic Imaging Systems' Repair service now gives you a more affordable solution to save you money and time. Diagnostic Imaging Systems performs a complete system verification and certification to original manufacturer’s specifications as a part of our veterinary equipment repair. That’s added value, added confidence and peace of mind!  



Instead of spending thousands of dollars on new equipment, use Diagnostic Imaging Systems' repair services to get you up and running for a fraction of the cost. You may be able to repair a piece of equipment you already own for a much more affordable amount than buying a new piece of equipment. Our unique veterinary equipment repair program can get your equipment back up and running in no time for a very reasonable price. Best of all, the process is quick and easy!

If your equipment is irreparable or the cost to repair your equipment is more than what you’d like to spend, Diagnostic Imaging Systems offers trade-in value for qualifying pieces. Your equipment’s trade-in value lowers your out-of-pocket costs toward the purchase of NEW equipment from Diagnostic Imaging Systems.  Trade-in values are offered on a case-by-case basis.

Use our CR Scanner Trade Calculator or our Portable X-Ray Trade Calculator to see your equipment’s potential trade-in value and how much money you can save on a new CR Scanner or portable x-ray machine.

Contact us today at 1-800-346-9729

Friday, April 19, 2013

Digital Rewards Film & Chemical purchase promotion

Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc., “DIS” introduces our new Digital Rewards Film & Chemical purchase promotion. This program offers you valuable money saving rewards towards your digital system purchase.

100% of every dollar you spend purchasing film and chemical from DIS will go towards your digital Navigator system purchase. The Digital Bonus Promotion is free. All you need to do is sign up today and purchase your film and chemical from DIS and you will begin receiving your digital rewards bonus certificates.

For a two year period after you sign up every time you purchase film and chemicals from DIS you will be earning digital reward credits entitling you to valuable savings on the purchase of your new Digital Navigator system, based on your purchase volume, Up to $5,000 can be accumulated within the 24 month period! This is your big opportunity to save big money on your DR system purchase.

Upon sign-up, DIS film and chemical customers will be awarded a $1,000 sign-up bonus credit towards the purchase of our top of the line digital DR Navigator 3500 Plus System. DIS will also allow a $10,000 trade allowance on your current stationary x-ray system and film processor. With your combined Digital Rewards Credits and trade allowance you could purchase a new Digital Navigator DR-3500 Plus X-ray System for as low as $44,995.00.

Why wait, sign up today and starting saving for tomorrow’s new digital system purchase, after all you’ve earned it, working with those old stinky chemicals, nagging film processors and inconsistent film techniques will be a thing of the past.

Sign up for this valuable free Film & Chemical Purchase Digital Rewards Promotion or call us at 1-800-346-9729 to learn more about our Digital Navigator 3500 Plus system and our film and chemical products.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

15 Important Questions to Ask Before Purchasing A Veterinary Digital X-ray System

1) How do I determine which type of digital system is the best fit for my office practice?
A. Practice type stationary
               a. Small animal
               b. Large Animal
               c. Mixed Animal
2) How do I determine which type of digital system is the best fit for my ambulatory or Mobile practice?
A. Practice type ambulatory or mobile
               a. Small animal
               b. Large Animal
               c. Mixed Animal
3) Does the company offer multiple Digital systems?
A. Digital Modalities
               a. DR flat panel
               b. CR
               c. CCD
4) What type Flat panel options does the company offer?
A. DR Flat Panel types
               a. Selenium
               b. Silicon
B. DR Flat Panel Size
               a. 8 X 10”
               b. 10 X 12”
               c. 14 X 17”
5) Is this system Open Architecture?
A. Digital modality Integration
               a. X-ray
               b. Ultrasound
               c. Nuclear medicine
               d. CT.
6)   Will it integrate with my practice management software?
               A. Practice Software integration
                              a. Avamark
                              b. Cornerstone
                              c. DVM solution
                              d. Other
7)  How may the images be stored? 
               A. Image storage
                              a. Dicom
                              b. Tiff
                              c. Bit map
                              d. Jpeg
                              E. Other
8). How will I be able to access the images?
        A. Image access
                       a. Network drive
                       b. E-mail
                       c. Wireless
                       d. Server
                       e. workstation
9). What are the differences in image quality?
        A. Image quality measurement
                       a. DR flat panel 3-4 line pair/ mm
                       b. CR systems 4-10 line pair/mm
                       c. CCD system 3-5 line pair/mm 
10)  How do differences in image quality relate to my practice needs?
               A. Image resolution requirements
                              a. Based on anatomical size and region
                              b. Is Cost Verses quality a real issue
11)  What level of service and support can I expect?
               A. Sales service support short term
                              a. Specialize in Veterinary radiological medicine
                              b. Years of experience working with Veterinary Medicine
                              c. Capable of making the choices for your practice
               B. Sales service support long term
                              a. Specialize in Veterinary radiological medicine with a history of performance
                              b. Years of experience working with Veterinary Medicine with success
                              c. Capable of making the right choices for your practice now and will they be around in the future
12)  Warranty with the system?
               A. Warranty
                              a. Parts
                              b. Labor
                              c. Phone Support
13)  Determine the cost of a system?
               A. Film Verses Digital Costs
                              a. Lease rate and cost
                              b. Digital savings over film usage
14)  Return on investment?
               A. radiology Positive cash flow
                              a. Profit after lease payment
                              b. Profit after lease is through
15)  What do veterinarians that have bought this system say about the product and the service?
               A. Reference list
                              a. DR Flat panel
                              b. CR system
                              c. CCD system


DIS, with 30 years of veterinary radiology expertise has the knowledge and the digital equipment product selection for you to make the right Digital radiographic system purchase for your practice.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Shipping and Receiving Logistics for Veterinary Facilities

Shipping and Receiving for Veterinary Facilities
How many times have we heard, I want it now, I want it in good condition, and I want it shipped free.  These may be some of the thoughts we have when we order product from a vendor.  We all have horror stories of what may have gone wrong with a shipment, the item was broken, damaged, or maybe it never showed up at all.
We seldom think about all the products and supplies shipped to our business every day that logistically went as smooth and trouble free as the way we anticipated it would.
Every day Diagnostic Imaging Systems ships a large number of packages via UPS & FED EX  to our valued customers.  We are a flexible shipper and offer a variety of shipping methods and options from overnight and regular ground deliveries to international customs export capability.  DIS is small enough to get personally involved when a shipment doesn’t go as anticipated
From time to time we will offer shipping tips and observations that affect the flow of product from Diagnostic Imaging Systems to our valued customers.
These shipping tips may help you with your shipping situations.
1.  Use packing material around whatever you ship so that it can survive the trip.  Solid Styrofoam is best, newspaper and peanuts can work but be sure to compress enough to sufficiently protect the item, peanuts have a tendency to shift during shipping so make sure you use plenty to fill all the crevices.
2.  A single strip of packing tape to hold a box together may seem cost effective but may not hold together long enough for the contents inside the box to arrive undamaged.
If for some reason you need to return an item to Diagnostic Imaging Systems please call us for a return authorization form with RA number before you ship the item back.  Once you receive the RA form and have the RA paperwork completed and put inside the box to be returned you are ready to pack.  When the product and RA arrives and is inspected store credit will be issued.