APPC--a new standardised coding system for trans-organisational PACS retrieval

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Radiology Information Systems

Background:

• Austria is integrating its healthcare enterprise by connecting all radiological Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).
• A unified system is needed to efficiently search for correlative imaging data across different institutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a standardized coding system for radiological procedures and anatomical details.
• To facilitate the search and retrieval of imaging data within a nationwide PACS network.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive coding system, the Austrian PACS Procedure Code (APPC), was compiled.
• The APPC was designed to include all radiological procedures and necessary anatomical details.

Main Results:

• The Austrian PACS Procedure Code (APPC) achieved standard status under HL7.
• Demonstrated effective coding and filtering capabilities for searching imaging material using APPC.
• Outlined a process for future APPC adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Discusses APPC implementation within Austria's future electronic health environment and electronic health act.
• Compares APPC to other nationwide electronic health record projects and coding systems.
• Considers limitations and potential applications for physical storage media.