Radiology Information System

Radiology Information System

A radiology information system is a software network suite, for managing associated data and medical imagery. The radiology system is useful for managing associated data and radiological records in many places. Furthermore, is often used with archiving pictures and system communication this helps with the flow of work and billing. There are several functions that the radiology information system does; Scheduling, both in- and out patients with specific radiology staff can make their specific appointments. Patient management, an entire workflow of a patient’s history can be seen through the radiology department. The RIS, can track images and reports, medical records and view as needed. “Billing, an RIS facilitates detailed financial record-keeping, electronic payments and automated claims submission” (Rouse, 2013). Some of the benefits of storing pictures of x-rays electronically would be, the radiology department has a large number of interfaces. However, because RIS is not typically a module of the HIS, interfaces would be necessary when dealing with billing and registration. Traditionally x-rays used to be taken on a photographic film, and then stored in a PAC system, it would then be digitized using a scanner. “Today, x-ray systems can record the image on a special plate that captures the image digitally, eliminating the steps of developing the film and then scanning it when images are captured on film, a flash card is used” Gartee, R. (2011).