A radiology information system (RIS) is a networked software suite for managing medical imagery and associated data. An RIS is especially useful for managing radiological records and associated data in a multiple locations and is often used in conjunction with a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) to manage work flow and billing.
An RIS has several basic functions:
Patient management
An RIS can track a patient’s entire workflow within the radiology department; images and reports
can be added to and retrieved from electronic medical records (EMRs) and viewed by authorized
radiology staff.
Scheduling
Appointments can be made for both in- and out-patients with specific radiology
staff.
Patient tracking
A patient’s entire radiology history can be tracked from admission to discharge. The history
can be coordinated with past, present and future appointments.
Results reporting
An RIS can generate statistical reports for a single patient, group of patients or particular
procedure.
Film tracking
An RIS can track individual films and their associate data.
Billing
An RIS facilitates detailed financial record-keeping, electronic payments and automated claims
submission.
Learn more about radiological information systems:
A member of HealthIT Exchange explains how an RIS and PAC work together.
Providers are increasingly integrating radiology information with other clinical data analytics tools.
FAQ: How PACS technology affects health IT.
A case study in imaging storage and security.