The iPad isn't even available yet but CoActiv Medical is ready for it. The software and IT systems provider is known for their PACS and teleradiology solutions. So it's no surprise that their EXAM-PACS® picture archiving and communications system, already on the iPhone, is also available in an iPad version.

Based on all the preliminary information from Apple, CoActiv's application will be waiting and immediately available to current EXAM-PACS users once the iPad becomes commercially available.

Apple's new tablet computer, as well as the consumer hit iPhone, could be just the right fit for medical use.

"Initially a lot of the radiologists will be using [iPad] for remote viewing and confirmation and wet reads. Eventually, as it becomes more popular a lot of referring doctors will be using it," predicts CoActiv President and CEO Edward Heere. "I think our biggest audience on the iPhone application will be referring doctors who want a quick look at the end results of exams. That's the feedback we're getting from imaging centers and hospitals. The iPAD will also be of significant value to referring doctors."

EXAM-PACS allows touch screen image viewing for the iPad's large-screen digital viewing and communications device. Based on the existing EXAM-PACS iPhone image viewing system, the new iPad system will support bi-directional data communication between a PACS and any iPad using the new device's built-in WiFi capabilities. (This version of EXAM-PACS for iPad will also be fully compatible with the Apple iPad 3G model scheduled for release in April. The updated 3G model will allow connectivity for anywhere, anytime image viewing.)

"It will change the whole way we are dealing with medical information, both reports and image data," Heere told DOTmed News. (He suggested waiting for the 3G version of the iPad.) "I think the world will jump on this platform because it is so convenient and easy. And it doesn't lock you down to a facility like a WiFi connection. On the 3G network you can work from anywhere in the world. Anywhere you will have cell phone connectivity you will have the ability to read images."

CoActiv EXAM-PACS iPad support enables secure DICOM Query/Retrieve functionality and also allows files to be pushed directly to the device over WiFi and 3G connections. Once images arrive on the mobile device, they may be viewed using the full range of iPad's Touch Screen capabilities, including scroll, pan, zoom and window & level and measurement functions. All manipulated and annotated images may be instantly saved locally on the device as JPG files and emailed or sent via messaging to anyone, anywhere in a matter of seconds.

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