Remotely Managing Mobile MRI Units

A few years ago, a wireless-specific solution was developed to complement its existing proprietary remote monitoring solutions using the Sierra Wireless AirLink PinPoint X. While that device was cutting-edge for the time (back around 2013), USAT now has the capabilities to deploy newer and more robust devices for medical organizations looking for remote management solutions that utilize faster networks.

The AirLink RV55 (with optional Wi-Fi) is a compact, intelligent and fully-featured mobile communications platform that includes a high-precision GPS (global positioning system) receiver and rich, embedded intelligence provided by ALEOS™ technology – the long-standing industry benchmark for reliable and feature-rich intelligence. ALEOS, exclusively available on the Sierra Wireless line of AirLink products, simplifies installation, operation, and maintenance of any solution and provides the “always on” and “always aware” connection management required for unmanned applications. Additionally, the RV55 can be configured with custom automations to power down while medical imaging machines - including MRIs - are running so that their radio frequencies do not interfere with the imaging process. This is, of course, critical to ensuring that all imaging is accurate and that the machines are always at optimal performance.

The original wireless solution as well as the newer one that USAT can deploy can help this company, and others like it, improve efficiencies and patient care in many ways. Historically, engineers have been able to connect to a secure remote services network to diagnose system “wellness” of diagnostic imaging systems. However, this has not been the case for many mobile imaging centers, to which service technicians have no remote access.

After deploying the AirLink RV55, engineers will be able to monitor and maintain these mobile imaging centers in near real-time. This not only allows the technicians  within IT support centers to troubleshoot and fix imaging equipment remotely, but it significantly decreases the frequency and duration of trips required by field service engineers to complete on-site repairs. ALEOS technology ensures persistent network connectivity and, in conjunction with the AirLink Management Service™ (ALMS) suite of tools and utilities, can provide extensive remote management and configuration capabilities, enabling the organization to monitor and control its network of mobile devices from one central location.

For instance, organizations will be able to solve the issue of continually resetting a troublesome router by controlling relays through the RV55’s ALMS tool, enabling technicians to remotely reset the router as often as necessary.

Because mobile imaging centers predominantly serve rural communities, they are frequently in locations that are 3-4 hours from the nearest field engineer. Due to the time required for travel, diagnostics, and eventual repair, the customer’s imaging equipment could be down for a significant amount of time. Utilizing the AirLink RV55(with optional Wi-Fi), engineers located in the company call center can monitor, troubleshoot, and fix problems remotely, minimizing the need for travel by a field service engineer.

In certain situations, the call center will be able to diagnose issues as the field service engineer is en route to the remote location. When the engineer arrives at the mobile imaging center, the problem may already be diagnosed, saving valuable resolution time.

The original wireless solution as well as the newer one that USAT can deploy can help this company, and others like it, improve efficiencies and patient care in many ways. Historically, engineers have been able to connect to a secure remote services network to diagnose system “wellness” of diagnostic imaging systems. However, this has not been the case for many mobile imaging centers, to which service technicians have no remote access.

After deploying the AirLink RV55, engineers will be able to monitor and maintain these mobile imaging centers in near real-time. This not only allows the technicians  within IT support centers to troubleshoot and fix imaging equipment remotely, but it significantly decreases the frequency and duration of trips required by field service engineers to complete on-site repairs. ALEOS technology ensures persistent network connectivity and, in conjunction with the AirLink Management Service™ (ALMS) suite of tools and utilities, can provide extensive remote management and configuration capabilities, enabling the organization to monitor and control its network of mobile devices from one central location.

For instance, organizations will be able to solve the issue of continually resetting a troublesome router by controlling relays through the RV55’s ALMS tool, enabling technicians to remotely reset the router as often as necessary.

Because mobile imaging centers predominantly serve rural communities, they are frequently in locations that are 3-4 hours from the nearest field engineer. Due to the time required for travel, diagnostics, and eventual repair, the customer’s imaging equipment could be down for a significant amount of time. Utilizing the AirLink RV55(with optional Wi-Fi), engineers located in the company call center can monitor, troubleshoot, and fix problems remotely, minimizing the need for travel by a field service engineer.

In certain situations, the call center will be able to diagnose issues as the field service engineer is en route to the remote location. When the engineer arrives at the mobile imaging center, the problem may already be diagnosed, saving valuable resolution time.

Additionally, with the AirLink RV55 GPS feature, the location of mobile imaging centers can easily be tracked. In the past, locating mobile systems in real-time was a challenge, requiring people throughout the organization to spend significant time and effort. With the GPS feature, tracking is a real-time, systems-driven process that improves the efficiency of overall service delivery.

Wireless connectivity enabled by the AirLink RV55 provides the opportunity to reduce downtime from days to just hours or even minutes. Since any equipment downtime results in lost revenue, the wireless solution provides an immediate ROI. The current average reimbursement rate for a diagnostic imaging scan is significant. Assuming an average of ten patients receiving scans each day, the customer could lose a considerable amount of revenue when a machine is down for just one day. Remote monitoring and repair minimizes revenue stream loss and ensures that at-risk patients can use the imaging equipment during the limited time that it is in their area.

In addition to the structural, foundation of the 4G remote management and tracking solution, there are also capabilities for an AVL (automatic vehicle location) application and additional vehicle telemetry functionality. With the AVL web interface, the company and its customers will be able to track the location of the mobile imaging centers online.