Advanced Radiology of Columbia relies on telecommunications for growth, name change

Columbia, Mo. - Advanced Radiology of Columbia has recently gone through a significant growth spurt. They've changed their name, expanded their services and added employees in nearly every department. Yet two things have stayed constant for this booming business: its dedication to an extremely high level of personal attention and its partnership with Socket, a locally based telecommunications company equally dedicated to personal service.

"Our patients come from a very wide geographic area and depend on us to deliver the highest quality care," said Allan Hillard, M.D., medical director at Advanced Radiology. "Nearly everything we do, from managing sensitive patient information to scheduling important tests and procedures, is Web-based. So to be able to consistently deliver on our promises, like same-day, accurate results, we simply must have a technology system we can rely on."

Advanced Radiology is a multi-faceted healthcare clinic that provides a wide array of diagnostic and medical procedures. Its dedication to the highest level of patient care and ability to guarantee same-day results set it apart from other providers. To consistently deliver that high standard, the radiologists must rely on an Internet-based communication system to have access to patients' tests and images immediately, wherever they are. They can even send the information, via the Web, to consult with one another before making a final diagnosis. Their Internet system must also handle the transport of this crucial information along with images andtestresults to the patient's treatment team. This process requires a huge amount of Internet bandwidth along with the necessary security and reliability to transmit sensitive medical information.

Since its opening in 2003, Advanced Radiology has partnered with Socket to help them accomplish their day-to-day business goals. They rely on dependable Internet and telephone services to keep operations running smoothly and deliver accurate, timely results for their patients who are often anxiously awaiting their diagnosis. Socket was also able to offer substantial cost savings over competitors, which means Advanced Radiology can focus more resources toward helping patients.

"We're exceptionally proud of what we've been able to accomplish in the field of health care," said Deb Hartley, administrator at Advanced Radiology. "We've grown tremendously, but no matter how big we get, we know the key to our success is our commitment to patient care and service. Our telecommunications technology is a big part of that. We know we can depend on our information systems and that makes it easier to ensure everyone, from scheduling to the radiologists, is empowered to make decisions that will improve the health and well-being of our patients."

Advanced Radiology's employees have also appreciated the personal attention and care Socket provides. This became especially important recently as the center underwent a name change and needed important updates to Web sites and e-mail addresses. A seamless transition was made possible with a dedicated account representative who focuses on the center's specific needs and concerns.

Advanced Radiology's latest expansion is named Pela Cura, a branch of Advanced Radiology that allows the business to expand into the aesthetic treatment area. Pela Cura offers treatments like Botox and Juvederm, permanent laser hair removal, elimination of varicose veins and spider veins, facials and other spa services. As both sides of the center move forward, Socket is likely to play a key role as a trusted guide and consultant when important telecommunications decisions arise.

"Socket has grown with us over the years," said Hartley. "As we continue to expand our services and help more patients, we're confident Socket will offer the telecommunications services we need to accomplish our goals."

Founded in 1994, Socket is the largest Missouri-based telephone and Internet service provider in the state. Socket is a privately held company that provides business customers a choice for local and long-distance phone service. It combines the highest quality customer service with in-depth technical knowledge to provide customized phone service packages. Socket also provides high-speed DSL and accelerated dial-up Internet service to both business and residential clients. For additional information, please visit: http://www.socket.net.