Utah's First Eklin RapidStudy DR and Eklin Digital Practice^® System Received "Two+ Thumbs Up!"

With a stunning view of both Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons, Willow Creek Pet Center sits in a scenic, yet growing, area of Utah in Cottonwood Heights, just outside of Salt Lake City. The busy medium size practice with six veterinarians and 65 support staff sees more than 1,000 patients per week (300 in the Vet Hospital). Open seven days per week, founder Rick Campbell, DVM, and his colleagues see patients from as far away as Wyoming, Nevada and Idaho as Willow Creek’s excellent reputation has spread throughout the area.

“We are committed to providing the best patient care and customer service available,” said Dr. Campbell. “This includes providing the latest in state-of-the-art technology to support our clinical expertise. To this end, we knew it was time to find the best radiographic technology to replace our older film-based x-ray unit.”

Dr. Campbell embarked on a detailed research mission to discover which Digital Radiography (DR) and image management system would best meet the needs of his ever-growing practice. He spoke with several Board Certified Radiologists. All were unanimous in their recommendation – the RapidStudy™ DR and Digital Practice systems from Eklin.

Armed with the results of his research, Dr. Campbell purchased and installed a RapidStudy EDR6 Large-Format DR system, several RapidView™ workstations, and Eklin’s RapidStore™ PACS (Picture and Archiving Communications System) – the first Eklin system to be installed in the state of Utah – and a little to the bewilderment of his practice colleagues.

“I must say I had several raised eyebrows and even comments questioning my sanity when I first introduced the concept of purchasing the RapidStudy system,” said Dr. Campbell. “Within a month, however, everyone was congratulating me for a very wise purchase decision. Nobody is wild about change – but the RapidStudy system by far has received the least opposition of any change I have implemented at the practice. Once everyone realized what incredible diagnostic images you can get in just seconds, which are so detailed you have to see it to believe it, and the tremendous increase in workflow efficiencies, the RapidStudy system was embraced wholeheartedly.”

Dr. Campbell also indicates there used to be lines at the x-ray room door. Now, the lines are virtually non-existent. They are also sending many more cases to Board Certified Radiologists hundreds of miles away, with accurate answers before the end of the day. So successful has the RapidStudy system and Eklin PACS been, that he has eliminated his entire dark room and moved old films to the necropsy area. Economically, the installation is paying off as well.

“In just our first month, we have realized a 27 percent increase in radiographic exam revenues, yet only raised our fees by six percent,” Dr. Campbell explains. “I have never had a piece of capital equipment begin to pay for itself in such a short period of time. The ability to manipulate the image after it is taken is incredible. It has provided us with significantly increased diagnostic confidence and has freed up staff time for other urgent needs.”

Willow Creek’s clients are also finding the new RapidStudy system to be a welcomed addition in the care of their pets. Office Manager Tina Ottley reports, “We used to routinely get comments about the cost of x-rays taken on a client’s pet. Now, when they see the stunning images from the RapidStudy system and can easily view problem areas when the doctor manipulates the image to highlight regions of interest, our clients are extremely enthusiastic. They appreciate that their pet is receiving the same type of radiographic exam that they themselves would get at leading hospitals or clinics. Comments about radiographic costs have dropped to practically none.”

Dr. Campbell established Willow Creek Pet Center in 1983. In the past 22 years the center has grown from a small clinic to a larger, full-service facility. With a team of six veterinarians and a professional staff of 65 employees, Willow Creek Pet Center is known for its excellence and leadership in veterinary medicine. The center offers a full range of medical and surgical procedures in addition to state-of-the-art technology. Willow Creek Pet Center also offers a full grooming and boarding facility, as well as award-winning dog training.

“It has always been our goal to be the leader in the field by offering innovative veterinary services with superior care,” concluded Dr. Campbell. “With our new Eklin RapidStudy DR system, we know our patients and their owners will have access to the best x-ray imaging technology available. We are pleased to be the first to offer this state-of-the-art technology in Utah.”

For further information on Willow Creek Pet Center, visit www.willowcreekpet.com.

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