A radiology information system (RIS) is an integral part of the electronic management of imaging departments. It is a networked software system used for managing medical imagery and related data. It is typically useful in tracking radiology orders and billing information. Imaging informatics incorporates the application of sophisticated information technologies to deliver reliable, effective, and precise medical imaging services in a health care network. RIS is used in conjunction with digital x-ray computed radiography (CXR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create digital images of the human body. This helps to prevent human error and to maximize the utility of diagnostic test results.
The radiology information system provides end-to-end information technologies integration for diagnostic and clinical imaging laboratory work. RIS applications are used by radiology departments across the world and have made the workflow process smoother. There are several components that make up this system, including an EMR (Electronic Medical Information), an ERP (Electronic Product Data), a CRM (Customer Relationship Management Software), and a database. In order for a radiologist to provide high-quality patient care, he or she must have access to pertinent information from the database, including appointment schedules, patient information, and so forth.
This enables the radiology department to offer the best possible care at a convenient time for its patients. Radiology information systems also allow a physician to easily view the records of a patient without having to go to the patient's office. This allows for more efficient scheduling and less waiting time for the scheduling process to begin. Another way in which this type of system helps physicians and radiology staff is through the creation of a workflow. Workflows are collections of processes that occur throughout the course of treating a patient. These processes are usually logical in nature, although there can be templates or manual operations that are used as necessary throughout the workflow. Researchers from many countries such as Germany, Japan, and Mexico focused on R&D activities and partnering for hospitals. For instance, in Germany, Royal Philips partnered with Kliniken der Stadt Köln (Clinics of Cologne) for the continuous modernization and maintenance of imaging systems.
