A Radiology Information System (RIS) is a technology used by radiology departments to store, manipulate and distribute radiology data and images of patients. RIS is crucial in the radiology workflow to optimize the imaging process through various functions involved in a comprehensive system.

The first RIS emerged in the 1960s and focused on improving radiologists’ efficiency by facilitating access to patient data. But what exactly are the functions that a RIS can perform today?

1.            Patient Management, scheduling, and tracking

It enables the digitization of patient registration, scheduling, and tracking. In addition, radiologists and physicians can access the patient’s complete history, add images and reports and check for any diagnostic updates. This function reduces the time needed to organize schedules and assign appointments.

2.            Results reporting

A RIS can generate digital statistical reports for a single patient or a group of patients or on the radiology workload and share them in different ways. This helps managers identify bottlenecks and performance problems and resolve them.

3.            Order tracking

The system stores the history of diagnostic imaging orders from when the physician requests the exam completion. In this way, users can keep track of images and study information.

4.            Billing

RIS systems provide a financial record and process electronic payments and claims automatically. This automation results in fewer errors which, in turn, eliminates the risk of payment delays or denials.

These functions represent a clear impact on the workflow of radiologists. However, the increase in the total number of diagnostic testing procedures performed worldwide due to the awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, for example, in the context of a pandemic, has accelerated the RIS market, imposing new challenges on it.

Among these new challenges is the easy integration of RIS with the rest of the radiology workflow, including the possibility for the radiologist to use the dictation tool for reporting. Moreover, it should allow access to all relevant data and images from different modalities without leaving the exam, thanks to the integration with PACS.

Additionally, decision-making tools embedded in a digital dashboard have become key to optimizing resource utilization at different points in the workflow, including patient management, order entry, and image interpretation. In this framework, data mining, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence play an essential role in RIS cutting-edge technologies. Moreover, adopting cloud-based solutions extends profitable opportunities to the RIS market players in the forecast period of 2021 to 2028. These capabilities will help improve overall patient satisfaction with an efficient schedule and clinical workflow.

References

1. Radiology Product Comparison Charts Aid in Buying Decisions. (2022). Retrieved 29 June 2022, from https://www.itnonline.com/article/radiology-product-comparison-charts-aid-buying-
2. Nance Jr, J. W., Meenan, C., & Nagy, P. G. (2013). The future of the radiology information system. American Journal of Roentgenology, 200(5), 1064-1070. Chicago

Luisa Vargas
Professional Analyst – IMEXHS Innovation Team
luisa.vargas@imexhs.com