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Frequently Asked Questions about HEYEXTM Networking Solutions

  1. Can Heidelberg Engineering instruments be networked?
  2. What is HEYEX?
  3. What is Heidelberg Eye Explorer?
  4. What features do HEYEX Networking Solutions offer?
  5. What is central data management?
  6. Can I review images remotely?
  7. What is dynamic image review?
  8. Is there a limit to how many viewing PCs I can have?
  9. How many viewing licenses do I need?
  10. What are floating licenses?
  11. Do I need to purchase the viewing station hardware from Heidelberg Engineering?
  12. Do viewing stations require dedicated PCs?
  13. Where can I find the hardware and network requirements for viewing stations?
  14. Can I use HEYEX to view images from other manufacturer’s instruments?
  15. What is the HEYEX Image Capture Module?
  16. Can multiple Heidelberg Engineering instruments be networked together?
  17. What are the benefits of networking multiple instruments together?
  18. Can Heidelberg Engineering instruments interface with EHR and IMS systems?
  19. Which EHR and IMS systems can Heidelberg Engineering instruments interface with?
  20. Are Heidelberg Engineering instruments DICOM-compatible?
  21. What is DICOM?
  22. What are the main functions and benefits of DICOM?
  23. Is SPECTRALIS an approved DICOM modality for the VA VistA Imaging system?
  24. Where can I find more information about HEYEX Networking Solutions?

Frequently Asked Questions About The HEYEX DICOM Interface

  1. What is DICOM?
  2. What is the DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS?
  3. What DICOM-compatibility does SPECTRALIS offer and what does this mean?
  4. Can I import patient demographics into my SPECTRALIS instrument?
  5. Can I send SPECTRALIS OCT scans to my PACS?
  6. Can I send SPECTRALIS Anterior Segment images to my PACS?
  7. Can I send SPECTRALIS fundus images to my PACS?
  8. Can I send SPECTRALIS reports to my PACS?
  9. Is the DICOM Interface backward-compatible with my older SPECTRALIS images?
  10. How does the DICOM Interface protect my database from duplicate or mismatched records?
  11. Can I use the DICOM Interface to convert external images into DICOM?
  12. Is SPECTRALIS IHE-compliant?
  13. Can the SPECTRALIS instrument fully operate if the DICOM Interface is not active?
  14. Can the DICOM Interface be installed on my SPECTRALIS viewing stations?
  15. Is it safe to delete the images off the SPECTRALIS instrument after I send them to the PACS?
  16. When will the DICOM Interface for HRT and HEP instruments be available?
  17. Which EMR and PACS systems can SPECTRALIS interface with?
  18. Is SPECTRALIS an approved DICOM Modality for the VA VistA Imaging System?
  19. How do I find out whether my EHR or PACS system is DICOM-compatible?
  20. Do you have sample DICOM images I can test in my PACS system?
  21. My EHR/PACS system is not DICOM-compatible. Can it still interface with SPECTRALIS?
  22. What OCT image manipulation features will I have in my PACS?
  23. Which OCT image manipulation features are not yet available in PACS systems and why?
  24. What are the technical requirements for the DICOM Interface?
  25. Do I need to prepare for the installation of the DICOM Interface?
  26. Which documentation is provided with the DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS?
  27. Can I install the DICOM Interface myself?
  28. Who can I contact if I have any questions or need support?

If you do not see the question you are looking for above, please ask. For technical support please visit our support page.

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HEYEX Networking Solution

  1. Can Heidelberg Engineering instruments be networked?

    Yes. All Heidelberg Engineering instruments can be networked, including SPECTRALIS, HEP and HRT instruments. All instruments run on the HEYEX (Heidelberg Eye Explorer) software, which is designed to operate in a networked environment.

  2. What is HEYEX?

    HEYEX is the acronym for Heidelberg Eye Explorer, which is the operating software for all Heidelberg Engineering instruments. HEYEX also manages the patient data and images.

  3. What is Heidelberg Eye Explorer?

    Heidelberg Eye Explorer (HEYEX) is the operating software for all Heidelberg Engineering instruments. Heidelberg Eye Explorer also manages the patient data and images.

  4. What features do HEYEX Networking Solutions offer?

    The HEYEX platform provides the fundamental components for an optimal practice workflow:

    • Remote image review and modification
    • Centralized data management
    • Interface to Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Image Management Systems (IMS)
    • Import of external images

  5. What is central data management?

    HEYEX uses the central data management concept in which patient data and images from multiple instruments can be stored and managed in a single database. This eliminates the creation of duplicate patient records across multiple instruments. Central data management is also the key technology for remote image review, allowing you to review and modify images at your instrument(s) and from networked PCs in your department.

  6. Can I review images remotely?

    You can review images from a networked PC in your department, for example in the doctor’s office or the exam lanes.* You have full access to HEYEX and all patient images, along with the tools for a fully dynamic image review.

    * Requires HEYEX Network License(s) and network configuration according to specified requirements.

  7. What is dynamic image review?

    Dynamic image review is the ability to manipulate images, rather than just viewing them. Since the software and review tools on the HEYEX viewing stations are identical to those on the instrument, you have full access to tools like 3D image display, report creation, measurements, scan planning and more.

  8. Is there a limit to how many viewing PCs I can have?

    You can configure as many viewing stations as your network can support. Please see the Hardware and Network Guide for HEYEX Viewing Stations for information on hardware and networking requirements.

  9. How many viewing licenses do I need?

    SPECTRALIS instruments typically include two (2) viewing licenses with purchase, referred to as HEYEX Network Licenses. Because HEYEX Network Licenses are floating licenses, the number of licenses you need equals the maximum number of users who will review images simultaneously.

  10. What are floating licenses?

    Floating licenses are licenses that can be shared among multiple users. Therefore, it is not necessary to purchase a license for every viewing PC or user in your department. Instead, the number of licenses you need equals the maximum number of users who will review images simultaneously.

  11. Do I need to purchase the viewing station hardware from Heidelberg Engineering?

    You do not need to purchase the viewing station hardware from Heidelberg Engineering. We provide hardware and network requirements for viewing stations to ensure optimal viewing performance. Many customers find that they can use their existing PCs as viewing stations. For more information, please see the Hardware and Network Guide for HEYEX Viewing Stations.

  12. Do viewing stations require dedicated PCs?

    No. You can use the PC that is utilized in your practice to review images. However, the PC should meet our minimum hardware requirements.

  13. Where can I find the hardware and network requirements for viewing stations?

    Our Hardware and Network Guide for HEYEX Viewing Stations is available here.

  14. Can I use HEYEX to view images from other manufacturer’s instruments?

    Yes. You can add images from third-party instruments to the patient record in HEYEX, by using the HEYEX Image Capture Module. The Image Capture Module is included with each SPECTRALIS instrument.

  15. What is the HEYEX Image Capture Module?

    The HEYEX Image Capture Module is a tool that allows you to import standard image files (e.g. jpg, bmp, png, tiff) into your HEYEX patient record, for example images from other instruments, notes and photographs.

    The Image Capture Module is included with the SPECTRALIS instrument.

  16. Can multiple Heidelberg Engineering instruments be networked together?

    Yes. Heidelberg Engineering instruments can be networked together to share a database. This allows you to store a patient’s exams from different instruments in the same, central patient record and review all exams at once.

  17. What are the benefits of networking multiple instruments together?

    - Multi-instrument image review: Because the images and data from all instruments are stored in the same, central patient record, you can access and review all your patient's exams at once.
    - Combined reports: You can view reports with data and images acquired by two different Heidelberg Engineering instruments. An example is the structure-function report, which is based on the data and images from the SPECTRALIS and the HEP instrument.
    - Centralized scan planning: If you own multiple SPECTRALIS OCT instruments, you can use the Scan Planning Tool to set scan parameters for future exams from any of your SPECTRALIS OCT instruments or viewing stations. The scan parameters will be available on any of your SPECTRALIS OCT to perform the exam.
    - Instrument-independent follow-up exams: If you own multiple SPECTRALIS OCT instruments, you can perform follow-up scans on any of those instruments. Precise follow-up scanning with the AutoRescan™ feature is available no matter which SPECTRALIS OCT instrument was used to acquire the baseline scan.

  18. Can Heidelberg Engineering instruments interface with EHR and IMS systems?

    Heidelberg Engineering instruments can be interfaced to EHR (electronic health record) and IMS (image management system). Depending on the capabilities of your EHR or IMS, the interface may provide the following capabilities:
    - Import of patient demographics from an EHR into HEYEX
    - Launch of the HEYEX application for image review from within an EHR or IMS
    - Export of images and reports from HEYEX into an EHR or IMS

    Note: Not all EHR and IMS systems provide instrument interfaces

  19. Which EHR and IMS systems can Heidelberg Engineering instruments interface with?

    Heidelberg Engineering instruments can interface with a variety of electronic health records (EHR) and image management systems (IMS). Examples are Medflow, NextGen, Forum, OIS, EyeRoute, Synergy and others. Interfaces are available via the DICOM standard or in proprietary format.

    You can find an overview of compatible EHR and IMS here. Please check back regularly for updates.

  20. Are Heidelberg Engineering instruments DICOM-compatible?

    All instruments in the SPECTRALIS family are DICOM-compatible, allowing the interface with EHR, IMS, and PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System).

    DICOM support for HEP and HRT instruments is expected to be available in late 2012.

    Please click here for more information on the DICOM standard and the HEYEX DICOM Interface.

  21. What is DICOM?

    DICOM stands for Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine. It is an industry standard for medical imaging management, which has been developed to enable systems and instruments to interface with one another, independent of the manufacturer. Offering DICOM-compatible systems and instruments eliminates the need for proprietary interfaces which require custom development and support. Although the implementation of the DICOM standard is optional for system and instrument manufacturers, many large institutions now require new equipment to be DICOM-compatible.

    Please click here for more information on the DICOM standard and the HEYEX DICOM Interface.

  22. What are the main functions and benefits of DICOM?

    DICOM is all about enhancing and optimizing clinical workflow.

    One important function is the exchange and synchronization of patient information and orders between information systems and instruments. The benefit is the elimination of data entry into multiple systems, and the access to the most up-to-date patient information on your instruments.

    Another important function is the export of images, reports and related information to a PACS or image management system. Such systems allow the storage of images from all the instruments in your department in a single application for easy image review.

  23. Is SPECTRALIS an approved DICOM modality for the VA VistA Imaging system?

    Yes. Heidelberg Engineering is listed as an approved modality vendor on “VistA Imaging Approved DICOM Modality Interfaces”. The document is available on the Department of Veterans Affairs website at http://www1.va.gov/imaging/docs/VistA_Imaging_DICOM_Modality_Interfaces.pdf

    The VistA Imaging system is the image management system used in Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities nationwide.

  24. Where can I find more information about HEYEX Networking Solutions?

    Please click here for more information about HEYEX Networking Solutions.


HEYEX DICOM Interface

  1. What is DICOM?

    DICOM stands for Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine. It is a standard in medical imaging, which has been developed to enable systems and instruments to interface with one another, independent of the manufacturer.

    Offering DICOM-compatible systems and instruments eliminates the need for proprietary interfaces which require custom development and support. Although the implementation of the DICOM standard is optional for system and instrument manufacturers, many large institutions now require new equipment to be DICOM-compatible.

  2. What is the DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS?

    The DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS is a software module, which allows SPECTRALIS to interface with DICOM-compatible PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) and EHR (Electronic Health Record) for the purpose of data and image exchange.

  3. What DICOM-compatibility does SPECTRALIS offer and what does this mean?

    The DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS supports the following DICOM standards:

    • DICOM Modality Worklist
    this means, SPECTRALIS can query the worklist and import patient demographics
    • DICOM Encapsulated PDF
    this means, SPECTRALIS can send reports to a PACS for storage and review
    • DICOM Ophthalmic Photography
    this means, SPECTRALIS can send fundus images to a PACS for storage and review
    • DICOM Ophthalmic Tomography
    this means, SPECTRALIS can send OCT images to a PACS for storage and review

  4. Can I import patient demographics into my SPECTRALIS instrument?

    Yes, patient demographics are automatically imported when you select the patient from the DICOM Modality Worklist.

  5. Can I send SPECTRALIS OCT scans to my PACS?

    Yes, any SPECTRALIS OCT scans can be sent to a DICOM-compatible PACS, including single-line scans, volume scans, star scans, circle scans, and anterior segment scans.

  6. Can I send SPECTRALIS Anterior Segment images to my PACS?

    Yes, any SPECTRALIS OCT scans can be sent to a DICOM-compatible PACS, including volume scans, circle scans, star scans, etc.

  7. Can I send SPECTRALIS fundus images to my PACS?

    Yes, any Fundus (cSLO) images can be sent to a DICOM-compatible PACS. This includes exams of any SPECTRALIS/HRA2 modality (RF, IR, AF, FA, ICG) and any imaging mode (stereo, simultaneous, movies, tomographies, composites, mean, ART).

  8. Can I send SPECTRALIS reports to my PACS?

    Yes, any reports can be sent to a DICOM-compatible PACS, except for RegionFinderTM reports, a software module for the SPECTRALIS BluePeakTM application. The support of RegionFinder reports will be available with the next release of the DICOM Interface.

  9. Is the DICOM Interface backward-compatible with my older SPECTRALIS images?

    Yes, you can send any images that have ever been acquired on your SPECTRALIS or HRA2 to your PACS.

  10. How does the DICOM Interface protect my database from duplicate or mismatched records?

    Before a patient’s demographics are imported into the SPECTRALIS database, the data is verified against the existing patient records in the SPECTRALIS database.
    If any mismatches or duplicates are found, a warning message will be displayed along with options to reconcile the patient records.

  11. Can I use the DICOM Interface to convert external images into DICOM?

    Yes, with the “DICOM Conversion Tool” you can import external images into the SPECTRALIS database and then send those images to the PACS for storage and review.

    The DICOM Conversion Tool is most useful for images from instruments which are not DICOM-compatible or for other image files you want to add to the patient’s record in your PACS.

  12. Is SPECTRALIS IHE-compliant?

    Yes, the DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS has been implemented according to IHE’s guidelines. You can find the IHE Integration Statement for SPECTRALIS here.

  13. Can the SPECTRALIS instrument fully operate if the DICOM Interface is not active?

    Yes, the instrument remains fully operational if the DICOM Interface is not enabled or in use, e.g. due to a network problem.

  14. Can the DICOM Interface be installed on my SPECTRALIS viewing stations?

    Yes, the DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS can be installed on your SPECTRALIS viewing stations as well. This is especially useful if you would like to query the Modality Worklist or send images and reports to the PACS from a viewing station rather than from the instrument.

  15. Is it safe to delete the images off the SPECTRALIS instrument after I send them to the PACS?

    No, you should never delete images from your SPECTRALIS instrument or database.
    The original images contain a lot of details which are required to review and manipulate images on the SPECTRALIS instrument or viewing stations. These details are not stored within DICOM Images.

  16. When will the DICOM Interface for HRT and HEP instruments be available?

    We expect the DICOM Interface for HRT and HEP instruments to be available in 2012.

  17. Which EMR and PACS systems can SPECTRALIS interface with?

    The DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS can interface with any system, which supports one or more of DICOM standards listed in question 3. Typical DICOM-compatible systems are EHR or PACS, but also EMR (Electronic Medical Record), IMS (Image Management System), RIS (Radiology Information System), PMS (Practice Management System) and others.

  18. Is SPECTRALIS an approved DICOM Modality for the VA VistA Imaging System?

    Yes, SPECTRALIS is listed as an approved modality on “VistA Imaging Approved DICOM Modality Interfaces”. The document is available on the Department of Veterans Affairs website at http://www1.va.gov/imaging/docs/VistA_Imaging_DICOM_Modality_Interfaces.pdf

  19. How do I find out whether my EHR or PACS system is DICOM-compatible?

    Your IT or PACS administrator can check the system’s DICOM Conformance Statement or ask your system’s vendor.
    You can find a list of questions to ask your PACS or EHR vendor as well as an overview of common DICOM-compatible systems here.

  20. Do you have sample DICOM images I can test in my PACS system?

    Yes, you can download a set of sample images here. A quick guide with compatibility information and pictures of the expected test results is included as well.

  21. My EHR/PACS system is not DICOM-compatible. Can it still interface with SPECTRALIS?

    If your system is not DICOM-compatible, we offer custom interfaces for various systems. You can find an overview of supported systems here.

  22. What OCT image manipulation features will I have in my PACS?

    The kind of review and manipulation features available depends on your PACS and its viewing software. If your PACS fully supports the DICOM standards for Ophthalmic Tomography and Ophthalmic Photography, you will be able to:

    • Automatically load fundus images and corresponding B-scans side by side
    • Scroll through the B-scans
    • View position markers on the fundus image
    • Perform distance measurements on the fundus image
    • Use other common features like zooming, panning, annotations and markups, etc.

    We recommend that you check with your system's vendor for details.

  23. Which OCT image manipulation features are not yet available in PACS systems and why?

    Some advanced review features are currently not available, for example:
    • Creating thickness maps or thickness profiles
    • Planning or loading progression scans
    • 3D reconstructions (3D view, cube…)
    • Creating reports containing any of the above information
    • Any kind of calculations
    These features have not yet been incorporated into the official DICOM standard. Thus, instrument and system vendors cannot implement them.

  24. What are the technical requirements for the DICOM Interface?

    Your SPECTRALIS or HRA2 instrument must run operating system Windows XP or Windows 7.
    Your minimum network bandwidth should be 100 Mbps. A bandwidth of 1Gbps is recommended.

  25. Do I need to prepare for the installation of the DICOM Interface?

    The DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS was designed for easy implementation and use, but it takes both ends of the interface for a smooth installation. We put together a Preparation Guide to help you prepare for the installation of the DICOM Interface and to prevent common bottlenecks.

    You will receive a copy of the Preparation Guide when you order the DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS. You can also request a copy here.

  26. Which documentation is provided with the DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS?

    With the DICOM Interface for SPECTRALIS, you will receive a comprehensive Administrator Manual and detailed User Manual, as well as User Quick Guides and copies of our DICOM Conformance and IHE Integration Statements. All documentation will be provided in hard copy and soft copy.

  27. Can I install the DICOM Interface myself?

    We recommend that your IT administrator installs and configures the DICOM Interface. The installation and configuration is very easy and straight forward, but requires a few networking parameters which your administrator needs to provide.

  28. Who can I contact if I have any questions or need support?

    You can submit your questions here or call our Product Support Hotline at (800) 931-2230, Option 2.

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