lifeIMAGE, a Newton, Mass.-based image sharing vendor, has announced it is releasing certain open application programming interfaces (APIs) that can be used by HIT developers or imaging devices to enable the exchange of medical images and related patient records directly from its software. According to lifeIMAGE, its network has been used to share over 160,000,000 medical images across providers representing 40,000 affiliated physicians.

The network is used for the clinical exchange of imaging exams along with related information such as reports or electrocardiograms (EKGs). This network is used by physicians to collaborate on time sensitive patient cases. With API integration, more providers will have the ability to tap into the network by enabling their existing systems to securely share imaging information on demand. PACS, EMR, dictation and reporting, CD/DVD writer, visualization, or personal health record (PHR) application vendors can integrate with open APIs to give their end-users the added benefit of a simple workflow for sharing patients’ imaging history.