Opening imaging discs is a constant bugbear for those involved in clinical negligence cases. At a recent conference hosted by Inspire MediLaw, those who expressed their frustration included most of the experts and specialist solicitors present.
CDs are not a very suitable method of storing large complex graphic files, such as X rays and other imaging studies. Elsewhere, use of discs is increasingly obsolete – but they are still routinely used for disclosure of radiology.
Help is at hand!
At Clinco, we have a tried and tested system for dealing with imaging on disc. Sharon Philpott, our Records Manager, is an expert at getting into discs. Sharon has various programmes at her disposal, as well as years of experience. We have never been defeated by an imaging disc! Thank you Sharon.
Passwords
Generally discs are password protected – by a password sent separately. Passwords can be frustrating but they are here to stay. Sharon checks all passwords as soon as the case reaches our office. This avoids any hold up once we start sorting the case.
Other imaging CD challenges
It can be difficult to access the imaging even if it is not a password issue. This is a frequent problem experienced by solicitors and experts:
- many PCs struggle to process large graphic files. This means files are slow to open. At Clinco we make sure our hardware is up to the job.
- the operating system on which the disc was created might itself be out of out of date. In older cases the disc may well have been created on Windows 7 and not be fully compatible with later systems
- the digital tools used to read files vary from disc to disc. Sharon constantly reviews our imaging software.
What happens once the CD has been opened and read?
Once the case is complete, we will send the the radiology back to you scheduled, and cross-referenced in the chronology where relevant to the issues.
Free aftercare service
Passwords do occasionally get lost. We have a system at Clinco where, if we have been sent a password protected disc at any time over the last six years, we can provide the password to an authorised person within minutes. This is part of our free aftercare service.
