DataPhysics Research Launches CaseReader Software -- Slashing the Time in Half for CT, PET-CT and MRI Interpretation and Reporting

Founders of Intelligent Post-Processing Software Selected for Two Year National Institute of Health Grant and Presentation at Radiological Society of North American Conference


SAN RAMON, CA--(Marketwire - December 6, 2010) - DataPhysics Research Inc. (DPR), a developer of advanced diagnostic imaging solutions, today introduced CaseReader™, a next-generation intelligent post-processing software solution that dramatically improves how CT, PET-CT and MRI image data is organized, managed, analyzed and reported. CaseReader deals rapidly with vast amounts of 2D image data, produces volumetric 3D images that help speed diagnosis, and radically streamlines the entire review and reporting workflow process. DataPhysics Research launched its product with a presentation it was invited to make at the Radiological Society of North American (RSNA) Conference 2010, held Nov. 28-Dec. 3 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The research and development efforts of DataPhysics Research are supported by a two-year grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) through its Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project program. These grants benefit projects with the potential to reduce the long-term growth of health care costs; to create and sustain high-quality, high-paying U.S. jobs; and to advance U.S. competitiveness in the life, biological and medical sciences. 

CaseReader addresses the most pressing issues facing radiologists today. New digital scanning technologies are expected to increase the number of 2D image slices per patient study by approximately 300 percent in the next five years, healthcare reform will bring 30 million new patients into the healthcare system, and the aging population will also contribute more, all of which will further increase the amount of image data radiologists must handle. Furthermore, the number of radiologists is expected to increase by only 7.5 percent in the next five years, while reimbursements are eroding by 5 percent a year. 

Revolutionizing Diagnostic Imaging
With its 3D imaging capability and its Radiology Informatics tools that radically streamline the entire review and reporting workflow process, CaseReader slashes the time and cost of processing and interpreting image data by up to 50 percent. Radiologists can thus work far more efficiently and read a greater number of studies in a given timeframe. Referring physicians and patients receive final reports much faster, which improves patient care and assists with future planning and follow-up. Radiologists also receive a number of business benefits from using CaseReader, including rapid ROI, reduced TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and CAPEX/OPEX, and more. 

"By eliminating today's manually intensive slice-by-slice radiology analysis and rapidly delivering comprehensive 3D diagnostic imaging results, CaseReader is revolutionizing the way radiologists read digital images," said Steve Douglas, CEO of DataPhysics Research. "Our solution augments traditional subjective image interpretation with quantitative information that improves exam comprehension and diagnosis. In sum, CaseReader dramatically improves healthcare delivery, reduces report turnaround time to referring physicians, and in the process reduces costs to both radiologists and referring physicians."

Because it lays over existing mainstream picture archive communications systems (PACS) and viewing applications, CaseReader is the first solution to be entirely within the radiologist's workflow. Users do not need to learn a new user interface or substantially change their current workflow and applications to use CaseReader. DataPhysics Research is collaborating with leading imaging PACS OEMs to embed CaseReader in their systems as part of a comprehensive solution to today's market challenges. 

Three Technologies Form CaseReader's Core
CaseReader is based on the following three core technologies:

  • Augmentor. The Augmentor captures and consolidates detailed patient information from multiple sources such as the ordering report and the patient's prior medical history, digitizes it, and makes it available for the radiologist to review when the study starts being read.
  • Anatomy Image Dashboard (AID). The AID is powered by a patented process that creates a computerized, scalable, 3D electronic map of anatomical elements, constructed from 2D slices generated by CT, PET-CT and MRI systems. These volumetric 3D images are far easier and faster to read than 2D images. Image data can be displayed in axial image formats and also in sagittal and coronal multiplanar reconstructions. As each 2D slice is viewed, the corresponding 3D image is displayed simultaneously, saving time and effort in post-processing. Radiologists can manipulate the 3D images in all three planes of freedom for optimal, rapid viewing of regions of interest. CaseReader also enables accurate volumetric quantization of normal and abnormal structures.
  • Active Report (AR). The automated AR shrinks report size, reduces errors and maximizes reimbursement levels by customizing reports to the referring physician's specifications. Observation templates tied to CPT codes ensure that all required anatomy-specific impressions are completed and notated. Embedded 2D and 3D images help communicate results to referring physicians and patients, and thus help improve patient care. A checklist ensures that all reimbursable items are included in the final report. The report is conceived as the radiologist reads the exam, resulting in a clearer report and faster turnaround time. In addition, ARs integrate better than traditional reports with new electronic health record requirements.

"Until now, advances in scanning technology have not been matched by advances in interpretation and reporting," said Dr. Martin Lipton, chief medical officer of DataPhysics Research and head of its Medical Advisory Board. "Radiologists have been swamped with data but have had no way to speed up the review process. CaseReader was conceived and developed in collaboration with radiologists, referring physicians, imaging scientists and other industry professionals to ensure that radiologists have everything they need to improve their ability to serve a growing number of patients during a time of rapid change."

Pricing and Availability
Because DPR employs a hybrid SaaS model, CaseReader is provided free of charge; it requires no upfront investment or expensive license fees. A fee is generated only when a radiologist uses the software for a study. This model allows users to reduce their operating expenses by eliminating expensive licensing agreements with advanced imaging vendors. CaseReader is in beta and will be commercially available in Q1 2011.

About DataPhysics Research
DataPhysics Research Inc. develops advanced diagnostic imaging solutions designed to deliver faster, more comprehensive diagnostic imaging results to the referring physician and patient, thereby dramatically improving healthcare at a lower cost. Its first products are based on core technologies that make patient information easily available to radiologists, create 3D maps of anatomical elements from 2D views, and automate and improve reporting. For more information visit www.dpresearch.com.

CaseReader is registered trademark of DataPhysics Research Inc.

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