CVIS 2014
The Reality of Consolidation

WORTH KNOWING

MERGE WINS LOYALTY OF THOSE PLANNING TO CONSOLIDATE

All of the Merge customers that plan to consolidate (8 out of 15) reported that they plan to consolidate with Merge. This is partly due to the integration within Merge’s cardiology suite. Other vendors don’t fair nearly as well. For instance, none of the Agfa HealthCare or Digisonics customers in this study plan to consolidate with their current vendor. McKesson and Fuji both have 7 customers that have already consolidated, and that represents a vote of confidence for those vendors.

WHICH VENDORS OFFER STRONG REPORTING PERFORMANCE ACROSS THE BOARD?

For providers looking to consolidate, consistently robust performance in cath, echo, and vascular reporting is key. Merge, McKesson, and Siemens all offer relatively consistent performance across these areas, though each has room to improve. Philips and Fuji struggle to offer cath reporting functionality, and Agfa HealthCare and LUMEDX struggle across the board.

REMOTE ACCESS LIMITED FOR AGFA HEALTHCARE, FUJI, AND PHILIPS CUSTOMERS

Agfa HealthCare, Fuji, and Philips customers reported that their remote versions are sorely missing useful functionality. Philips and Fuji customers also said that remote access is too slow. On the other hand, LUMEDX, Merge, and Siemens customers said the remote access is easy to use and allows them flexibility when reading and signing off on cases. GE Healthcare and McKesson customers are pleased that these vendors offer remote access, but their offerings are inconsistent and heavily dependent on end-user hardware.

MERGE, SIEMENS, AND LUMEDX ARE THE WORKFLOW LEADERS

Merge customers reported that the workflow is easy to use and is well liked by their physicians. LUMEDX and Siemens customers said their systems mold to their preferences but that the customization can be a double-edged sword for those without a strong IT team. On the other hand, GE Healthcare, Digisonics, and Agfa HealthCare struggle with workflow functionality. Agfa HealthCare customers reported that the workflow is clunky, and Digisonics customers said that outside of echo, the workflow is still immature.

BOTTOM LINE ON VENDORS

AGFA HEALTHCARE

Those planning to consolidate not looking at Agfa’s current platform. Workflow reported to be clunky and difficult to use. Cath adoption relatively strong, but performance lags. Echo adoption strong, but weakest performer. Weak remote access.

DIGISONICS

Small number of sites using at least two structured reporting modules. Weak functionality outside of echo.

FUJIFILM

46% have already consolidated with Fuji, but those planning to consolidate in the future are looking elsewhere or are unsure about whom they will consolidate to. Workflow improving but not meeting expectations. Weak performance and adoption in cath. Strong adoption in echo. Remote version lacks image quality and functionality.

GE HEALTHCARE

New platform in early stages of adoption. GE scores based on DMS legacy platform. Workflow below average, described as cumbersome. Remote access inconsistent.

LUMEDX

50% planning to consolidate, but only 20% with LUMEDX. Strong workflow; customizable solution requires a lot of IT support. Cath reporting used by all LUMEDX customers in study, but poor performance. Strongest remote access.

MCKESSON

41% have already consolidated with McKesson, and another 29% have plans to. Work flow improving with new version. Cath adoption below average; performance average. Echo module performs well and adopted by all McKesson customers in study. Remote access works well for some, but dependent on hardware and Internet Explorer settings.

MERGE HEALTHCARE

33% have already consolidated with Merge, and another 53% have plans to do so. Top performer in the study overall. Workflow top rated, easy for physicians to use. Cath module top rated and well adopted. Good remote access.

PHILIPS

60% plan to consolidate, but only 13% plan to with Philips. Workflow is average; newest version offers improvement. Cath adoption and performance below average. Tied for highest adoption in echo. Remote access lacking functionality and speed.

SIEMENS

42% plan to consolidate, but only 21% with Siemens. 29% already consolidated with Siemens. Workflow strong due to customization and automation. Cath performance second best; adoption is middle of the road. Top performer for echo. Remote access easy to use, but some said functionality limited.

Project Manager
Robert Ellis