It might be useful to re-open the subject of Document Scanning: [1] Where should the document objects be stored (PACS vs RIS), and [2] What would be the best file format for the scanned document object?
A number of radiology departments with PACS are currently managing scanned document objects in the PACS. Many of these PACS are managing the document objects as a DICOM Secondary Capture objects and storing the objects as a new series in the study file. This makes it easy for the radiologist to access and view the document along with the images. This also assures that documents can be migrated along with the study data, whenever necessary.
One of the problems with this method includes having to accommodate this new study series (document objects) in pre-existing hanging protocols. Another problem is the fact that all of these document objects subsequently travel everywhere the study file travels, ending up on display screens all over the enterprise.
Comments in favor of or against this approach are welcomed.
