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Enhancing Diagnostic Efficiency: The Impact of an Outside Image Retrieval Center (OSIRC) on Prior Imaging Availability in A Breast Imaging Practice

Megan Kalambo^1iD*, Keyiara Ridyolph², Adam Dido^2
1Department of Breast Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Clinical Medical Director, Breast Imaging Houston Area Locations, United States
²Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Manager Diagnostic Imaging Operations, DI Outside Image Retrieval Center, United States

Corresponding Author: Megan Kalambo ^{ORCID iD}
Address: Department of Breast Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Clinical Medical Director, Breast Imaging Houston Area Locations, 1155 Pressler, Unit 1350, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.
Received date: 04 April 2025; Accepted date: 21 April 2025; Published date: 28 April 2025

Citation: Kalambo M, Ridyolph K, Dido A. Enhancing Diagnostic Efficiency: The Impact of an Outside Image Retrieval Center (OSIRC) on Prior Imaging Availability in A Breast Imaging Practice. J Health Care and Research. 2025 Apr 28;6(1):20-25.

Copyright © 2025 Kalambo M, Ridyolph K, Dido A. This is an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium provided the original work is properly cited.

Keywords: Image Retrieval, Radiology, Patient Satisfaction, Clinical Workflow Enhancement

Abstract

The timely availability of prior mammograms is critical for enhancing diagnostic accuracy, reducing recall rates, and improving patient care. However, obtaining prior images from external facilities often proves challenging, leading to delays and suboptimal outcomes. This study examines the implementation of an Outside Image Retrieval Center (OSIRC) within a breast imaging department to streamline the process of retrieving prior imaging. Prior to the OSIRC's establishment, only 56% of new diagnostic patients arrived with outside imaging (OSI) available before check-in. The OSIRC intervention, aimed at centralizing and improving the retrieval process, successfully increased OSI availability to 74.3% by 2024. This 32.7% improvement, validated by a chi-squared test (p < 0.001), demonstrates the efficacy of the OSIRC in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing delays, and improving patient care. The study also discusses challenges beyond OSIRC's control, such as patient non-responsiveness, facility closures, and international image retrieval. This initiative offers a model that can be adapted for other medical disciplines to enhance clinical workflow and improve patient outcomes through efficient image management systems.

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