Long Island-based Medical Arts Radiology, which is one of the largest medical imaging groups on the island, traded in its T1 connection for a faster, more robust fiber-based service from Optimum Lightpath.

With its Ethernet-based, 1 GB fiber-optic circuit and 20 Mbps Internet connection, medical specialists at MAR can view patients’ electronic scans anytime, from any office, at home or even while they’re on vacation . The new process, which is called teleradiology, allows radiologists to make their diagnosis more quickly, instead of waiting for faxes, film shipments by mail or a slower data service.

Medical personnel can also view test results on their iPhones and BlackBerrys. The service also gives MAR a greener footprint by cutting down on the use of copiers and fax machines.

“In our experience, you cannot perform modern radiology with a T1 line. You have to have fiber, and that’s why we chose Optimum Lightpath,” said Pradeep Albert, CIO of Medical Arts Radiology. “We can view images taken from any of our six offices and read it anywhere we can access a PC or laptop. Our business depends on Optimum Lightpath. We love the product – it’s changed the way we do things.”

MAR serves 200,000 patients across four office locations per year, with plans for two new locations that will also be lit by Optimum Lightpath.

“Medical Arts Radiology has significantly advanced its medical imaging practice, and we’re delighted to help them work faster and better to reach more patients than ever before,” said Dave Pistacchio, president of Optimum Lightpath. “Speed is critical to radiologists, and flexible remote access to images and data across devices and offices is what keeps them competitive."