A technique is disclosed for providing programs, such as operational protocols,
to medical diagnostic institutions and systems. The protocols are created and stored
on machine readable media. A description of the protocols is displayed at the diagnostic
institution or system. A user may select a desired protocol or program from a user
interface, such as a listing of protocols. The protocol listing may include textual
and exemplary image descriptions of the protocols. Selected protocols are transferred
from the machine readable media to the diagnostic institution or system. The transfer
may take place over a network link, and may be subject to fee arrangements, subscription
status verifications, and so forth. Protocols may be loaded for execution on system
scanners by selection from the same or a similar protocol listing screen.
