IDXC Idx Systems (MM)

Provides Clinicians with a Fully-Featured Orthopedic Image Analysis and Planning Tool BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IDX Systems Corporation (NASDAQ:IDXC), a leading provider of healthcare information systems, today announced the launch of IDX(R) Imagecast(TM) PACS for Orthopedics. A digital solution for the orthopedic surgeon, Imagecast PACS for Orthopedics offers comprehensive tools for orthopedic image review, analysis and preoperative planning. Imagecast PACS for Orthopedics helps ensure surgeons enter the operating room equipped with the tools, instruments and implants they need. The solution allows them to plan surgery in advance, with greater accuracy, by measuring patient images using precise digital tools and overlaying electronic templates from a variety of implant vendors. With the Imagecast Pixels-on- Demand technology, orthopedic image review and surgical pre-planning is rapidly available on any PC and web browser connected to the Internet or network. This streamlines workflow and allows clinicians to increase efficiency by planning surgeries from any location -- in the office, operating room, or even from home. "As a growing number of orthopedic practices and hospitals make the transition from film to all-digital environments, the demand for a filmless solution for orthopedic surgeons is increasing," said Debra Stenner, Vice President Business Planning and Product Strategy, IDX Imagecast Operating Unit. "With the introduction of Imagecast PACS for Orthopedics, orthopedic surgeons can take advantage of the same flexibility and specialized tools that radiologists have with today's PACS systems." In a traditional film-based environment, orthopedic surgeons perform surgical planning on x-rays by drawing lines and measuring angles. Using paper templates from prosthetics manufacturers, they plan joint replacements, spinal surgeries and trauma repairs. Templates are imprecise due to variations in magnification of individual x-rays and distortion of the image caused by the angle of projection, which can prevent the orthopedic surgeon from selecting the correct prosthetic with reliable accuracy. These obstacles to accurate, efficient preoperative planning are virtually eliminated with the cost-effective, easy-to-use digital templates and workflow tools that make up Imagecast PACS for Orthopedics. The solution includes a library of templates and fixation elements for total hip, total knee, shoulder, and elbow replacements, as well as tools for measuring Cobb angle (used to evaluate patients with scoliosis) and transischial line measurement (which allows surgeons to assess leg length for total hip replacements). Additional improvements over film-based image review include the ability to window and invert, optimizing diagnostic detail; magnify and pan a region of interest or enlarge the image; and measure distances and anatomical angles using the built-in caliper and goniometer. By allowing the orthopedic surgeon to make precise measurements in the pre-planning stages, these tools can help shorten procedure time and improve patient outcomes. Imagecast PACS for Orthopedics is designed with an open standards platform, providing scalability for orthopedic practices both small and large. The solution, which has received 510(K) FDA clearance, also provides connectivity to any modality or archive. Imagecast PACS for Orthopedics integrates seamlessly with the Imagecast worklist, allowing hospital customers to leverage their existing investment in IDX technology. See Imagecast PACS for Orthopedics in action at RSNA Imagecast PACS for Orthopedics will premiere at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2005 Annual Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting in Chicago, Ill., November 27 - December 2, at IDX booth 1929. About IDX(R) Imagecast(TM) Imagecast solutions provide healthcare institutions, such as hospitals, academic medical centers, integrated delivery networks and imaging centers, with comprehensive distributed access to significant clinical findings and associated images. Our solutions optimize productivity, enhance business practices and facilitate clinical decision making. Today's leading medical specialists, business managers and executives can depend on IDX because only Imagecast products combine advanced technology with unmatched expertise to deliver visionary workflow integration. About IDX Founded in 1969, IDX Systems Corporation provides information technology solutions to maximize value in the delivery of healthcare, improve the quality of patient service, enhance medical outcomes, and reduce the costs of care. Our systems are deployed to serve approximately 150,000 physicians and are installed at over 3,400 customer sites, including more than 850 group practices and approximately 370 integrated delivery networks servicing more than 500 hospitals. IDX also provides its enterprise clinical software as a subcontractor to BT, Local Service Provider for the United Kingdom National Health Service's National Programme for Information Technology, an initiative to establish electronic patient records for 50 million patients. The IDX web strategy includes browser technology, e-commerce and web-based tools -- built using Internet architecture -- that facilitates access for patients, physicians and care providers to vital health information and data managed by the IDX clinical, administrative, financial, and managed care products. IDX has approximately 2,400 full-time employees. IDX and Imagecast are registered trademarks or trademarks of IDX Investment Corporation. This press release contains forward-looking statements about IDX Systems Corporation that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are uncertainties or difficulties in developing and/or integrating new services and systems, including Imagecast, difficulties in implementing systems, difficulties in servicing customers, possible deferral, delay or cancellation by customers of computer system or service purchase decisions, possible delay of system installations and service implementations, development by competitors of new or superior technologies, changing economic, political and regulatory influences on the healthcare industry, possible disruptions in the national economy caused by terrorist activities and foreign conflicts, changes in product pricing policies, governmental regulation of IDX's software and operations, the possibility of product-related liabilities, and factors detailed from time to time in IDX's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. IDX undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time. For more information, contact: Michael Mast Media Relations - IDX Imagecast 802.859.6305 DATASOURCE: IDX Systems Corporation CONTACT: Michael Mast, Media Relations - IDX Imagecast, +1-802-859-6305, Web site: http://www.idx.com/

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