MetroHealth centralizes Imaging Data for Improved Patient Care

Updated March 13, 2025
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For years, MetroHealth System⁤ struggled with fragmented imaging systems, a problem common to many health systems despite investments in EHRs and digital‍ solutions. Leaders at the HIMSS 2025 Global Conference detailed the organization’s multi-year journey to integrate imaging data across the enterprise.

Dr. David Kaelber, chief‍ health informatics officer‍ and VP of health informatics and patient engagement technologies at MetroHealth, along with dr.Eman ⁤Jammali, a family physician and clinical informatics fellow, explained the strategies used to unify imaging data.

Previously,clinicians faced challenges⁤ accessing critical diagnostic data because imaging studies were stored⁤ in separate systems. Physicians sometimes had to physically travel to other facilities to review images, whether cardiac catheterization results, dermatology scans ‍or ultrasounds.

“We used to ⁢be⁢ in a situation where a provider ‍needed to physically move to another building just to⁢ see an image,” Kaelber said. “Now, with ⁣a centralized system, all images are accessible instantly.”

MetroHealth leaders emphasized that imaging ⁣silos can delay diagnoses, create inefficiencies, and negatively impact both provider⁣ workflow and patient experience.⁣ Fragmented data also increases the burden on IT teams, making security and regulatory compliance more complex.

Overcoming Governance and Cultural Barriers

Building an enterprise⁣ imaging strategy ‍required more than just technology. ⁣According to Kaelber and Jammali, the biggest challenge⁤ was overcoming governance barriers that kept imaging data isolated ⁤by department.

“Historically, radiology controlled ⁤imaging,” Kaelber⁢ said. “But today, imaging happens in nearly every specialty—cardiology, ⁢dermatology, ophthalmology, and beyond. We had to shift our mindset and governance model to reflect ‍that reality.”

metrohealth established an Enterprise Imaging Committee, co-led by Kaelber and⁤ the ⁢chair of radiology, with leaders from various specialties, IT, compliance, and operations. This interdisciplinary approach ensured all stakeholders ‍had ‍a voice in designing the new system.

Kaelber emphasized the ⁣importance of physician engagement from ⁢the outset.”Physicians are the ultimate end-users of imaging data, and‍ if they’re not ⁤involved in shaping the strategy, adoption will suffer,” he said.

another cultural shift involved patient access to imaging.⁢ MetroHealth found that empowering patients with direct imaging access improved‍ engagement and satisfaction.

“Patients want to see their own images—it’s their health data,” Jammali said. “We saw an immediate surge in patient engagement when we enabled image access through the patient portal.”

Technology Framework

MetroHealth’s solution is based on a vendor-neutral archive (VNA), a universal viewer, and mobile access.

• Vendor-neutral archive (VNA): All imaging data is stored in a central repository, irrespective of the department.
• Universal ⁢viewer: ‍Physicians can access images through the EHR or⁢ patient portal.
• Mobile access: Clinicians ⁤and patients can view imaging studies on mobile ‍devices.

Within two months of launching mobile access, MetroHealth saw⁣ over 60,000 patient image views.

Kaelber noted that resistance to change is common in large-scale IT projects. metrohealth developed complete training programs and a governance framework to ensure future imaging ⁣initiatives align with enterprise ⁢strategy.

What’s next

MetroHealth is now focused on enabling easier sharing with external facilities and⁤ exploring AI-driven imaging analysis to ⁤improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, according to Jammali. The health system is also exploring automated image analysis and decision support tools.