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RadMapps and Fuji PACS: Frequently Asked Questions

How does RadMapps work?

RadMapps analyses your procedure codes, procedure descriptions and modalities. It creates logical relationships among those procedures, and creates Fuji-conformed files that it downloads to your PC. When you place them on the Fuji server, Synapse uses them to hang prior studies.

Why is RadMapps better than what I have?

Most PACS administrators keep a spreadsheet of related procedures. From it, Fuji's Related Procedures Macro creates files that enable relevant prior exams to automatically hang for comparison. But while the spreadsheet tool can feasibly include the most commonly performed procedures, RadMapps finds all inter-relationships among every procedure in the database. The result is improved workflow for the radiologist--fewer clicks and greater production.

How do I use RadMapps?

RadMapps works in four easy steps:

1. Export your Procedure Codes list from the Synapse Web Administration Tool (SWAT).
2. Upload them to the RadMapps Server. RadMapps automatically finds the similarities among those procedures.
3. Click the "Export" button to download Fuji-conformed files.
4. Place them on the Fuji server.

When a current study is read, Synapse determines the relevant, related prior exams using RadMapps-generated files.

Will we experience compatibility problems with Fuji?

Perhaps the best way to answer this is to explain how the process is different when using RadMapps compared to using the spreadsheet that Fuji supplies for relating procedures. The answer is it is not different.  Both programs create XML files that need to be put in the Related Procedures folder on the Fuji server.  RadMapps files are identical to Fuji's files, except that they contain all related procedures instead of some related procedures.  This is because RadMapps relates procedures vastly better than any human can.

What is my responsibility in making sure that RadMapps is functioning correctly?

You only need to upload an Excel spreadsheet of procedure codes from Synapse, make a backup copy of your related procedure files, and place the newly downloaded files in the correct folder.   If you need our help, we are happy to assist.

What do we do when we upgrade our Fuji application and server operating system?

The process of creating XML files has not changed over the last two versions of Fuji. If Fuji changes their process or structure of XML file generation, they will give their customers fair warning. In that case you could choose to use their new (manual) method, or our revised one. We have invested a tremendous amount of time in creating an automated means of relating procedures for Fuji PACS users. We will adapt our service to all versions of Synapse.

Is there a possibility of data corruption within the Fuji database?

The process of creating XML files has not changed over the last two versions of Fuji. If Fuji changes their process or structure of XML file generation, they will give their customers fair warning. In that case you could choose to use their new (manual) method, or our revised one. We have invested a tremendous amount of time in creating an automated means of relating procedures for Fuji PACS users. We will adapt our service to all versions of Synapse.

What do we do when we upgrade our Fuji application and server operating system?

RadMapps does not touch the data in the Fuji DICOM database, and we have no need to manipulate it. Fuji expects its clients to create related procedure files. These files are what Synapse uses to know what studies to hang for comparison. You create those files with a spreadsheet macro that Fuji gives you. You download a dump of all your unique procedure codes, decide what studies are related to other studies, enter them into Fuji's spreadsheet tool, and run Fuji's "ExportToSynapse" macro. 

RadMapps does exactly the same thing, except automatically--and vastly better. It creates XML files that list all your related procedures.  Synapse then uses those files to know which studies to hang for comparison.

What can I do to be certain that newly generated XML files are correct?

First, always make a backup copy of the Related Procedures folder on the database server.  If unforeseen problems occur, simply remove the XML files and replace them with the backup XML files and you are back to your original state.  This is just a minute's worth of drag and drop.

Keep in mind that you can test the new XML files on your test server.  If they work there, they will work on the production server. Also, you can always view your procedure relationships from the RadMapps website. Just log in, select the Procedures tab, and click on any study. All related studies will be shown for you to assess.

How do you update and support RadMapps?

RadMapps is unique. It is a web service, so you don't have to be concerned about software updates.  Simply go to the website and use RadMapps whenever you need.  The most up-to-date, fully tested version is always available for your use. In the unlikely event that you experience problems with RadMapps, users need only contact us with a description of the problem.   One of our tech support team will quickly resolve the difficulty.