North Star unlocks greater imaging efficiency and consistency across sites with ROCC

Before ROCC, North Star’s expert imaging technologists constantly moved among sites and could only support imaging studies when they were physically present. Staffing was site-specific and could be unpredictable. If someone was unable to work, exams were canceled or temporary staff were called in at an increased cost.

With ROCC, North Star’s most experienced technologists operate from a centralized command center, remotely supporting sites across its expansive network. This allows imaging experts to extend their support and expertise to technologists on-site, regardless of their location. “Now our best techs can oversee multiple sites from the command center. The image quality is just as strong, and we rely a lot less on temporary staffing,” said Todd Wright, MRI Lead Technologist.

North Star uses ROCC to elevate its entire training model. New MR technologists begin with a short on-site orientation, followed by remote support from experienced imaging staff who monitor and guide multiple scanners at once.

This model helps technologists build confidence quickly, especially when handling complex exams or advanced protocols. “Sometimes I take the mouse to demonstrate a scan sequence, but it’s more about coaching them through it so they can do it themselves next time,” explained Stephen Price MBA, BSRT(R) (MR) MRSO (MRSC), MR Safety Officer and Lead Technologist. Each imaging expert completes several weeks of in-person training to build trust and ensure consistency before offering remote support.

With ROCC, imaging experts can remotely:

As North Star continues to expand its imaging services, ROCC has proven scalable and sustainable. Opening a new center would previously have required hiring and staffing imaging expert s to work on-site, but now it can rely on the expertise from those in the command center.

North Star is bringing imaging care to rural areas where recruiting imaging experts would have been difficult. With ROCC, they are improving patient access and addressing staffing gaps.

Philips ROCC has not just helped North Star keep up with demand; it has helped them lead. By centralizing and extending imaging expertise remotely, North Star has built a resilient model that helps them focus on delivering high-quality imaging every time, no matter the location.