How can healthcare providers benefit from the latest medical imaging innovations, while reducing overheads and increasing efficiency? This may seem like a tough challenge, but thanks to technological advances of the digital era such as software-as-a-service (SaaS), operational efficiency can align with cutting-edge imaging technology.
In this article, we are going to explain the benefits that a software subscription service offers to radiology departments, ask whether a subscription is better than a license, and look at the key components of a subscription-based service for cardiac imaging software.
Benefits of a software subscription service
SaaS can be seen as ‘resources on tap’. An offshoot of cloud computing, it utilizes remote servers for data storage and management, meaning that customers don’t need to maintain servers on site. In hospitals where space is at a premium, this is a distinct advantage. Using this model, cardiac imaging software can be delivered on demand to radiology departments – they pay for as much, or as little, as they need. This flexibility presents a number of benefits, which we will outline here:
Best for budgeting
One standout benefit customers are set to gain from a subscription model isn’t exclusive to medical imaging. Being able to predict costs more accurately allows for better budgeting. A ‘payment per month’ model allows healthcare providers to pay a set fee at a set time, without being concerned that extra fees for updates or new tools are around the corner. Alternatively, a ‘per examination’ allows costs to be matched to revenue.
Optimum functionality
Technology moves fast. Healthcare providers need to make sure that their cardiac imaging software does not become outdated. This is why a subscription model makes sense for radiology departments which do not wish to be stuck with the limitations of a license when medical technology moves on. Upgrades and additional functionality are provided continuously as part of the subscription.
Scale up or down
Flexibility is another key advantage of a subscription software service. Being able to scale up or down according to requirements is a cost effective way to meet your medical imaging needs. The flexibility of a software subscription negates the problem of buying an over capacity or under capacity system.
More than just a vendor
Part of savvy procurement is looking to the long term, and in this respect, subscribing to a cardiac imaging software service can offer much more than buying a one-time license ‘off the shelf’. That’s because the best medical imaging software providers are partners that can work alongside healthcare providers to help them get the most out of their product in the future.
Incorporate other disciplines
Some subscription models enable the expansion of medical imaging software to other departments in a hospital, such as cardiology and pathology. Not only does the expansion of a system offer the opportunity to streamline collaboration between departments, but it can mean there is no need to invest in a new license.
Software subscription vs license
Healthcare providers will commonly be faced with a choice of purchasing a software subscription or a license for medical imaging software. Subscriptions are paid as a monthly fee, or according to volume. This means payments are typically spread out periodically over the year, and can be accounted for by healthcare providers similarly to expenditure such as payroll and rent. In contrast, licenses are paid for in one lump sum, and can be considered a ‘one-off investment’ in an organization’s future.
Healthcare providers are rapidly switching onto the advantages of a software subscription for medical imaging over a license. One of the major potential issues with a license is the depreciation of its value as an asset, over time, due to advances and updates to cardiac imaging technology.
A software subscription usually makes upgrades available to customers as soon as possible, at no additional fee. Then there is the major outlay required to purchase a license, compared to the smaller payments spread over a longer period for a subscription.
On a day-to-day basis, a software subscription service for cardiac imaging can also prove more user-friendly for hospital staff. That’s because technical support and training are typically offered as part of the subscription, whereas licenses can limit support to a set period, such as several years, a year, or less.
What does our subscription-based software service include?
Circle CVI's cvi42 imaging software offers advanced cardiac imaging tools on a unified platform. cvi42 contains a range of tools for multiple users, including:
Let’s look at these imaging tools in more detail:
Electrophysiology
cvi42 integrates ADAS 3D, a solution that enables pre-procedural planning for electrophysiologists. ADAS 3D does this with the incorporation of non-invasive MR/CT imaging. The solution allows LV/LA fibrosis and LV wall thickness to be quantified, and surrounding anatomical structures to be displayed.
Cardiac MRI
cvi42 for Cardiac MRI offers an unsurpassed range of clinically cleared diagnostic tools, offering unmatched accuracy in both quantifying and qualifying. It provides easy detection of wall motion abnormality, and autodisplay of ejection fraction and stroke volume, as well as end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and masses.
Cardiac CT
cvi42 for Cardiac CT provides specialized tools for the various elements of coronary artery disease assessment, including calcium scoring and plaque assessment. Benefit from simplified reporting according to SCCT guidelines.
Quantitative perfusion
cvi42 offers fully automatic quantitative perfusion, including absolute myocardial blood flow, multi-sequence support and multi-vendor support, as well as Dual Bolus and Dual Sequence support. The solution saves healthcare providers time and increases accuracy with absolute quantification of blood flow and automated perfusion analysis.
Interventional planning
cvi42 for interventional planning enables the fast and efficient planning of structural heart interventions. It facilitates the evaluation and analysis of aortic valve access for TAVI procedures and the visualization of the mitral valve for intervention planning. Benefit from a comprehensive overview of structures during septal approach.
Cost of our subscription-based service
Circle CVI’s subscription service costs XX per month, and you can try cvi42 now for 42 days. Give yourself the advantage of enhanced predictability of costs and safeguard your practice against outdated medical imaging technology, with a monthly subscription service for this seamless post-processing solution.
Contact the Circle CVI team for more information.
Sources:
https://scct.org/page/Guidelines
https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/what-is-saas
https://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/cloud-computing