Case Study —
London X-Ray Associates

Throughout its long history, London X-Ray Associates (LXA) has used the latest technology to provide their patients with the best, most efficient care possible. And for the last 15 years, the company has worked with Protek Integrated Business Systems to ensure that technology was performing the way it should be each and every day.

London X-Ray Associates began serving Londoners in 1931, when Dr. Murray Morrison opened the practice. A graduate of the UWO medical school, he specialized in radiology and became Chief of the Radiology Department at St. Joseph's Hospital in 1937. The practice has grown over the years and now comprises five independent health facilities, employing a staff of 63, plus 13 radiologists. From the outset, the practice has used technology to help people. Most recently, that meant converting entirely to digital radiology.

"We instituted a Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) in 2002," says Rosemary Redhead, Director of London X-Ray Associates. "That means we no longer use film. The radiologists are able to provide almost immediate diagnostic results of patient images. Less repeat images are taken with PACS, which leads to the most exciting part—less repeat images means less exposure to radiation for the patients."

Rather than physically transporting film from test centres to doctors and hospitals, PACS allows radiologists to receive pictures instantly across a secure Wide Area Network from any location, analyzing them and getting results to doctors more quickly.

Not only does the system improve service for London-area patients, it is having a similar effect for patients at several hospitals across the province that contract with LXA to conduct and diagnose diagnostic images. Geography is no longer a barrier, so hospitals anywhere can work with LXA radiologists, achieving the same improved level of service. LXA began working with Protek System in the mid-1990s when it wanted to modernize its accounting system. That led to an ongoing relationship, says LXA Systems Administrator Barb Rawlings.

"Protek has helped us with our technology for many years. They've always been there to help us," she says. "When we started with them, we had four computers; now we have 55 computers and laptops in various locations connected to our centralized servers and core infrastructure."

"We couldn't have instituted PACS without Protek," Redhead adds. "They've always stepped up to the plate and provided us the resources we've needed to succeed and grow."

PACS has reduced wait times and increased productivity for radiologists by an impressive 30%. In addition to accounting and PACS assistance, Protek also has helped LXA with its connectivity and security needs. Test results must remain private, so it’s crucial to develop an electronic delivery system that exceeds the highest security standards.

Whether it is teleradiology, accounting or security, anytime the company has had a technology question or need, Protek has been there to help.

"LXA is a progressive company that uses technology to help their patients, so our services fit perfectly to match their needs," says Mike Verwolf, a Protek owner. "LXA improved the service they provide to their patients with technology, and we have been pleased to help them deploy technology to achieve their goals."

Article and photography originally appeared in London Business Magazine