November 20, 1998

In September of 1996, MGH Radiology started using a new voice recognition computer system called MedSpeak, which held the promise of shortening the time required to produce printed reports of radiological exams.

The system allows physicians to dictate reports directly to PCIS by merely speaking into a microphone, rather than going through a transcription service. Spearheaded by Daniel Rosenthal, MD, the software system was co-developed by IBM with the MGH.

Traditionally, using a transcription service to produce complete radiological reports took up to four days. Using MedSpeak, a complete report is ready in two and a half days, and preliminary reports can be ready within a few hours. According to Patrick Jordan, administrative director for Radiology, the MedSpeak system has saved a total of $450,000 to date. Approximately $110,000 of that total was saved in the last month alone, as the system is now being used for more than 50 percent of the department's cases.

The success of the MedSpeak system is due largely to the commitment and cooperation of leaders in the department as well as in Radiology Information Systems and Radiology Quality Management and Education.

The MedSpeak project also is part of another Radiology service enhancement initiative that will convert all X-rays and other radiological exams to digital images available to physicians on-line. Using this system, radiological images can be automatically downloaded to designated Partners computer workstations, where clinicians with authorized access can view the images.

According to Keith J. Dreyer, MD, PhD, vice chairman of MGH Radiology Computing and Information Systems, this system has reduced the time from the exam to final report from 96 to 59 hours. Approximately $561,000 has been reduced from the operating budgets by lowering the need for radiographic film, while still printing films on demand where the need remains.

As of Nov. 9, all hospital outpatient CT exams are being made available electronically and printed on demand; inpatient CT exams will shift over beginning in December. Physician training sessions are currently being offered. For more information, call 6-7863.