X-rays are an important part of the diagnosis of a variety of foot problems. The problem has always been that x-rays require film, a darkroom, a processor, chemicals for the processor, and storage for the processed xray. Not to mention, all the paper used to store and transfer x-rays in medicine, as well as all the chemical processes to make the film. All of this results in a major ecological footprint.
Digital radiography is the new way to store x-ray information. Early in my practice, I decided to invest in a digital xray system. I knew that although this technology cost much more than regular xray processing systems, the ease of information access were significant, and since I was concerned about my office being paperless, I knew that the benefit to the environment was immeasurable.
Now, many years into the digital age, most practices are still not investing in ways to improve their footprint, despite the patients desire for “greener” medicine. Ethics have always been important to me, and running a practice in an ethical manner, not just in reference to patients, but in reference to our environment.
Our practice technology gives you access to your records with a click of a mouse. We can burn CDs of your images for you to take, and render 3D models of your foot to give you a better understanding of the diagnosis. In this era of medicine, you should demand your doctor’s practice is equipped with the latest technology, that reduces the foot print of that office.
In my practice, we use the top of the Apple Mac Systems with RAID 10 backup systems and high speed Gigabit ethernet, along with OsiriX and MacPractice to integrate the medical record into a secure and easily accessible, ZERO footprint piece of data. That way, you have access to the finest diagnostic equipment without the environmental impact of the toxic byproducts of conventional xray systems. An example of the technology we use in my practice is show HERE in an Apple video of Dr. Spiegel in the Hartford Hospital Stroke Center.
