Six ways modern network infrastructure for HCOs can push imaging to its full potential

The idea of imaging technology in healthcare has been around since the 1880s, but the first X-ray wasn’t used until 1895. Similarly, the first CT scanner was invented in the 1960s and not clinically applied until the early 1970s.

In recent years, advances in imaging technology, real time analysis and collaboration based on those images, and their inclusion into electronic health records, have all been adopted at a much quicker pace. All these factors have combined to make medical images into dynamic documents valuable both at the point of care and as part of a patient’s medical record. However, to fully realize the benefits of these advances, network modernization may be needed for some healthcare organizations (HCOs).

Digital imaging technology has significantly improved image quality, reduced radiation doses, and streamlined workflows, making diagnostics more efficient and accurate. The capability to integrate with electronic health records (EHR) further enhances the management and accessibility of imaging data. And leading providers of imaging equipment are continually innovating to improve image quality, reduce radiation exposure and integrate recent technologies. Currently, innovations in areas such as imaging technology, AI integration and workflow optimization are key areas of focus.

Different types of imaging are used in diagnoses, such as X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), mammography and ultrasound. Each imaging type can be shared, saved, or enhanced. Yet to share each type requires a network infrastructure that can support fast, secure downloads and the connectivity solutions necessary to transport this data in a reliable and secure manner. Further, this patient data must be readily accessible whether clinical staff are part of a main hospital network, based in a clinic, or even in a distant satellite office.

For HCOs looking to transition images from static files to dynamic components in  collaborative decision-making, a modern, high-capacity network must become an IT investment priority. Simply put, a network that brings together high performance, low latency and embedded security is necessary to enable advanced imaging to help improve healthcare outcomes. 

Increasingly, HCOs are more likely to benefit from managed network services. These managed solutions use software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology that spares HCOs from burdening their IT staff with implementation, management, maintenance and security responsibilities.

How to build a high-capacity network to support imaging’s potential

The core of the infrastructure needed to support modern imaging in HCOs is the managed SD-WAN. These networks adapt to differing workloads, use multiple connectivity and transport types, and may incorporate features such as Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). Managed SD-WAN takes this all a step further toward efficiency by integrating connectivity, infrastructure, and security within an end-to-end solution, streamlining the complexity all too often found in multi-vendor legacy networks. 

Managed SD-WAN supports mission-critical HCO infrastructure in six important ways.

• Covers multiple locations: This includes medical facilities at the edge — the PCPs, specialists and other ancillary providers are not usually included in the high-speed networks or extensive Wi-Fi coverage on a health system’s main campus.
• Access to multiple cloud service providers: This capability helps HCOs avoid expensive rip-and-replace implementations that often make network infrastructure projects infeasible due to budget constraints. 
• Transfers large files quickly: Data transfer speeds matter, whether it's facilitating remote consultation for stroke care, or for innovative uses such as digital breast tomosynthesis, a method for detecting breast cancer that generates files as large as 3 GB.
• Higher-capacity connections when needed: For example, a HCO may distribute high capacity files to imaging centers and emergency departments on a 24/7 basis. However, the HCO could also opt to allocate that tranche of capacity to other sites when necessary — such as when a doctor is reviewing CT scans for a patient admitted to the emergency department.
• Supports hybrid implementation options: HCOs can maintain their investment in existing, mission-critical network segments while adding interoperable SD-WAN segments where and when it makes sense. This is particularly beneficial as hospital networks expand into new geographic areas or otherwise expand.
• Cybersecurity across the network: With SD-WAN, small practices can now benefit from features such as threat detection, intrusion prevention, and data encryption they may have previously lacked the resources to implement. Likewise, pushing automated updates across the network removes vulnerabilities that otherwise may go undetected and allow attackers to gain easy access to a network.

A core objective of HCOs across the country is leveraging IT investments to support clinical initiatives while realizing improved operational efficiency. And with HCOs adding locations to their networks every day, it must happen quickly, correctly and cost efficiently. Hospitals and health systems looking to maximize their investment in imaging technology for real-time care, analysis and improved outcomes could help achieve realize these goals by deploying managed SD-WAN.

How Spectrum Business can help

As a trusted information and communications technology provider, Spectrum Business partners with HCOs to help them in understanding and deploying strong foundations for digital transformations. We are uniquely positioned to partner in implementing and managing SD-WAN, letting hospital IT teams apply their expertise to the unique needs of their organizations. For more than 10 years, we’ve partnered with 115,000+ healthcare organizations to provide technology and communication solutions. Find out why Spectrum Business provides technology solutions to 80% of the largest health systems in the US and partner with us.