Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) are computers or networks dedicated to the storage, retrieval, distribution and presentation of images. The images are stored in an independent format, the most common of which is DICOM. The established benefits of PACS (rapid creation and distribution of reports, image availability, and, ultimately, improved patient care) could then be extended from radiologic images to any images. Creating a new information system in each specialty incurs additional expenses, requires additional ongoing support, and prevents a unified interface for the image consumers: most often, referring physicians. Once the images are stored in PACS, they are distributed just as radiologic images are. This allows other departments to leverage the robust distribution system that has been established for radiology

PACS handle images from various modalities, such as :

• Ultrasonography.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Positron Emission Tomography.
• Computed Tomography.
• Endoscopy.
• Radiography (plain X-rays).

An important part of any PACS offering is its ability to seamlessly accept DICOM images from a wide range of diagnostic equipment.

Now PACS technology spreads to other service areas, such as :

• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• Pathology
• Orthopedics
• Obstetrics, etc

Presently, other areas of medicine are increasingly relying on image data to supplement traditional patient information. Examples can be found virtually in every department, including images of

• Retinal pictures in ophthalmology,
• Dentistry,
• Pathology
• Otolaryngology
• Microscopic specimens in pathology

Information-technology department understands the value of having a single source, a core infrastructure that provides ubiquitous service across the enterprise. By being able to put all of their information in a single archive, PACS various departments can achieve not only financial and clinical advantages, but space advantages as well.

The need of PACS is very much related to the electronic medical record (EMR). By creating an EMR for every patient, hospitals will make it possible for physicians to have easy access to all relevant clinical information pertaining to their patients from a single database. This vision encompasses not just radiology and cardiology images, but also other "ologies" like opthamology and pathology for example.