GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) announces the U.S. FDA 510(k) Clearance of IONIC Health’s revolutionary nCommand Lite technology, aimed at mitigating staffing shortages in radiology departments across the country.

The nCommand Lite system, a vendor-agnostic, multi-modality solution, will be exclusively distributed by GE HealthCare and is designed to provide comprehensive remote patient scanning support. This advanced technology facilitates remote access for viewing and reviewing images and enables connectivity with off-site experts who can offer real-time guidance to licensed technologists operating the scanner. The system is tailored to support magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) scanning.

José Leovigildo Coelho, CEO and co-founder of IONIC Health, expressed excitement about the clearance of nCommand Lite for use in the U.S., highlighting its capabilities in addressing staffing shortages and enhancing access to expert technologists. Coelho emphasized the technology's multi-modality and multi-vendor functionalities, which are crucial for scaling operations and tackling workforce challenges in healthcare.

Rekha Ranganathan, senior vice president, general manager, Imaging Platforms and Digital Solutions, GE HealthCare, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation in remote operations to meet the evolving needs of healthcare institutions. GE HealthCare aims to provide solutions that enhance patient access to care, particularly for those requiring complex imaging procedures and support from remote experts.

A recent study revealed that 80% of radiology departments are facing staffing shortages, and vacancy rates are at their highest levels since 2003, according to the 2023 American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Radiologic Sciences Staffing and Workplace Survey. In response to these challenges, GE HealthCare continues to invest in remote operations solutions, including the FDA-cleared Digital Expert Access and the exclusive distribution agreement with IONIC Health.

The nCommand Lite system enables off-site experts to provide real-time guidance to technologists operating the scanner, facilitating seamless collaboration and workflow optimization across diverse imaging fleets. The technology supports connectivity with multiple scanners and is optimized for low bandwidth consumption to ensure an enhanced user experience.

GE HealthCare’s collaboration with IONIC Health underscores its commitment to addressing staffing shortages and enhancing patient care through innovative remote operations solutions. The company aims to expand access to nCommand technology globally, empowering healthcare institutions to deliver high-quality imaging services efficiently and effectively.