RIS is a computerized database used [by radiology departments] to store, manipulate and distribute patient radiological data and imagery. The main parts of the system include: patient tracking and scheduling, result reporting and image tracking capabilities. The RIS is a compliment to HIS (Hospital Information System); both are critical to the efficient workflow of a radiology practice.
RIS has several basic functions; ranging from:
•Patient management – RIS can track a patient’s entire workflow within the radiology department; images and reports can be added to and retrieved from EMRs and viewed by the authorized radiology staff.
•Scheduling - Appointments can be made for both in and out patients upon reception of the order. RIS has the ability to place patients in allocated time slots with the proper radiology staff.
•Patient tracking - A patient’s entire radiology history can be tracked (from admission to discharge). This also includes all past, present, and future appointments.
•Results reporting – Statistical reports concerning the results of a single patient, a group of patients or a particular procedure can be generated by the RIS.
•Film tracking – Individual films can be tracked.
Additional features of RIS are important because it allows for radiology departments to be in tune with several other systems being used by other healthcare institutions as well as the hospital the radiology department may be a part of. Thanks to the help of HL7, RIS is able to communicate with it’s HIS counterpart, as well as with PACS and PACS workflows.
RIS’ initial use was in the 1970s; its original purpose was to manage and store radiology information.
