PHOENIX, May 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Physicians at the new Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas will be armed with medical technology that will allow them to promptly and accurately diagnose and treat orthopaedic injuries and conditions.
To be feted by a series of celebratory events culminating with a groundbreaking in Spartanburg, S.C., on May 21, (which the governor of South Carolina is expected to attend), the new facility will employ the VirtuRad Solution(r), an electronic medical imaging technology that will optimize efficiency and productivity by using unique capabilities to manage acquisition, retrieval, interpretation and reporting of diagnostic images.
"VirtuRad strives to provide the best systems that modern medicine has to offer, and so we are greatly honored to have been selected by Steadman Hawkins to be their partner," states Dr. Hirsch Handmaker, VirtuRad founder and chairman. "This technology is the future of orthopaedic radiology."
Dr. Richard Steadman and Dr. Richard Hawkins, founders of the Steadman Hawkins Clinic, based in Vail, Colo., are world renowned for their innovative work and research in orthopaedic surgery and degenerative joint disease.
"VirtuRad's excellent reputation and capabilities made them the logical choice for our new clinic in the Carolinas," Hawkins commented. "Their groundbreaking systems will enable us to provide outstanding treatment in an extremely productive and cost efficient manner. We are delighted that they will be our partners as we 'go digital' in the Carolinas."
As medical practice becomes increasingly paperless, the importance of complete data automation -- including electronic imaging -- has become a critical issue. VirtuRad provides electronic "filmless" imaging and Internet-based radiological capabilities to medical imaging facilities, especially to those providing plain film x-ray examinations.
Each year, orthopaedists come to Steadman Hawkins to hone their diagnostic, surgical and research skills. There are more than 120 graduates of their fellowship programs who are now practicing here and abroad. With this system, the Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas can communicate with end users connected to their organization, such as former and prospective fellows, to better acquire, process, transmit and archive diagnostic images with the VirtuRad Solution.
"VirtuRad's digital radiography product integrated with Steadman Hawkins' open database practice management system and their electronic medical records make for a virtually paperless office," said Handmaker. "Their practice will join our growing number of sports medicine and orthopaedic partners who enjoy a level of connectivity and workflow that has previously been unavailable due to a lack of affordable digital radiography."
VirtuRad Inc., a privately held Phoenix company, is at the convergence of traditional radiology and advances in electronic imaging technology, providing affordable electronic imaging and Internet-based radiological capabilities. The VirtuRad Solution(r) enables all types of facilities to cost effectively acquire, process, transmit and archive electronic diagnostic images for subsequent retrieval, primary and consultative interpretation, and reporting. Additional information is available online at www.virturad.com.