Why would anyone choose a more cumbersome CR
system to “process” films, which takes more time
and effort than a DR system? There are about $10-
15,000 reasons why. There is a large difference
of cost between the CR and DR. That is just the
basic podiatry versions. Most really good DR
systems are about $60,000-150,000.
The reason you don't just buy the cheapest
product is not the technology; it is the software
and customer service and reliability of the
product. Some software can do different things.
Mine can capture photo's from my digital camera
and I can put those pictures right into the
patients file where I also keep radiograph images
and can compare both if needed., e.g., a patient
with flat feet and I want to correct. Seeing both
the digital x-rays and seeing photographs side-by-
side helps for better before and after results.
Also, both CR and DR are digital forms. Both can
be made to convert to .JPG or Dicom. Most large
hospitals in your area most likely use CR systems
that will make your system not look so great.
Also tweaking your x-ray system will help improve
your end results when going digital.
Some monitors that you will be using to view your
images can affect your image as well. Adjusting
the computers systems display can help. Most
glossy monitors will make your image look better
compared to a flat monitor but with fluorescent
lights in most medical rooms you could get a
glare.
Yes, direct radiography/Digital systems have less
steps but overall taking image to monitor viewing
could take longer depending on your system.
Again, Once my staff takes x-rays and I go to my
treatment room, the x-ray views are up. An extra
minute or two is not really that important. BOTH
systems will make your office more efficient over
usual automatic processors or dip tanks. This is
where you will see the largest benefit.
Here is an article that I used years ago to go
more in depth on the differences. This article is
geared towards hospital systems but has a lot of
great information on both types of systems.
http://www.eradimaging.com/site/article.cfm?ID=535
Larry Kosova, DPM, Chicago, IL, lkosova@yahoo.com
