Sutter Health launches systemwide AI imaging upgrade

Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health has begun deploying AI-powered imaging equipment across its network, eight months after announcing a partnership with GE HealthCare. 

The seven-year Care Alliance is one of GE HealthCare’s largest enterprise strategic partnerships, according to a news release from the company. It aims to expand access to advanced imaging technologies, speed diagnostic scan times and standardize equipment across more than 300 Sutter facilities. 

Jason Wiesner, MD, chair of Sutter Health’s imaging service line, discussed the rollout in an Aug. 15 article on the American Medical Association website. He said the upgrades will help reduce the average age of the health system’s imaging fleet from more than 10 years to under five. More than 100 ultrasound units have already been installed, with additional updates planned in mammography, diagnostic cardiology, interventional, anesthesia, and maternal and infant care. 

“We really want the technologists to go from care center to care center and have the same equipment that they can work with and feel comfortable so they can provide the same type of care for our patients and that the image quality is high,” Dr. Wiesner told the AMA. “As that goes to our doctors, the diagnosis can be made with a lot of confidence.” 

GE HealthCare will service Sutter’s imaging equipment and train staff on the technology. The upgrades are expected to increase diagnostic confidence, shorten scan times and allow the health system to serve tens of thousands more patients annually, according to the release. 

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