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India’s growing population and a shift towards a less active, processed food-heavy lifestyle have significantly increased the number of patients suffering from chronic diseases. This, in turn, is driving demand for diagnostic imaging services and radiology information systems (RIS).
Need for the improved data management, workflow optimization, operational excellence and remote access to patient information are the major factors increasing the adoption of radiology information systems in India.
Infact, the global radiology information system market is growing with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2021 to 2030. In 2020, the global market size of RIS was $1051.60 Million and is projected to reach $2141.50 Million by 2030.
The shortage of qualified radiologists in India is fueling the demand for radiology information systems for advanced RIS features like workflow optimization and remote monitoring.
Why a Management System is Necessary in Radiology Practices
Radiology labs tend to have a higher patient load which slows down the workflow and there are very high chances of error and inefficiencies related to productivity. The RIS software solution eliminates the manual process and paper based documentation of patients, staff and activities. Since the values and parameters recorded by machines are very crucial and even slightest of variations can alter the results, consequences and implications of reports. It is recommended to use a human error prone method.
The system ensures healthcare professionals easily access the right data at the right time with fewer (almost zero) medical errors and transcription mistakes in records.
What is Radiology Information System
A radiology information system, also known as RIS, is a software solution that has been designed to store, manage, share data and medical imagery of patients in radiology departments and diagnostic centres. RIS are very much similar to Electronic Health Records (EHR) softwares.
Radiology Information System integrates with Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) seamlessly. Generally, RIS sends transcribed results and PACS transfers images to your referring doctors & hospitals.
RIS software simplifies clinical workflow including:
- Appointment scheduling,
- Patient registration,
- Test/order tracking,
- Billing,
- Test report entry,
- Labels,
- Reporting and more.
The system is efficient in providing consultant-wise, department-wise reports to the administrator.
RIS enables radiologists, doctors, administrators, and healthcare professionals to communicate to each-other in a fast and efficient way, leading to better patient care.
What are the Functions of Radiology Information System
RIS vendors provide software solutions as per the need and requirements of the client. However, the basic functions of RIS are almost same which are as follow:
Patient appointments/scheduling: The RIS software provides an interface to make appointments and schedule patients for their tests in radiology labs. The process is for both Inpatients and Outpatients.
Patient Registration & Management: The system eliminates the paper-based process in the lab, reducing the chances of errors. Also, the radiologist and doctors can access the patient information and their medical history. They can add images and test reports in the system for any patient.
Tests Tracking: When a patient requests for any diagnostic image test, the lab assigns a tracking number to the test. The system stores the diagnostic tests data for every order. The patient can keep track of tests and reports at any given point.
Billing: Radiology Information System Software generates electronic invoices for every patient’s imaging tests. The system supports TPA and other automated claims following regulations and guidelines.
Reporting: The system has the capabilities to generate consultant-wise, department-wise reports of the patients. The system covers different types of reports like Radiology Advance Slip Printing, X-Ray report, Ultrasound report, CT Scan Report, Radiology Test Report Printing, worksheet printing, report output to PDF, test report on website, X-ray Film Stocks etc.
Resource Management: RIS tracks the exact amount of supplies and inventory in the lab. So, the professionals have a clear idea about available supplies in the lab and how much supplies are needed in future. They can plan their budget and reduce costs.
HIPAA Compliance: Data security is a big concern especially when you have sensitive data of thousands of patients. A robust RIS should have proper security features and functionalities such as automatic backup, data encryption, 2-factor-authentication etc. Basically, HIPAA compliance is related to data safety and security and the radiology information system must follow all HIPAA regulations.
Role of RIS in HMIS
Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) is a complete hospital management software solution having modules for every clinical workflow like EMR, EHR, pharmacy, IPD, OPD, blood bank, radiology and more. Healthcare professionals use the system to manage patient data and optimize clinical workflow.
On the other side, radiology management softwares has been designed to optimize the workflow of standalone and hospital radiologies.
By integrating RIS in HMIS, the healthcare professionals and doctors can share, manage and track patient’s diagnostic imagery data within and across the departments of the hospital, where required. This makes the RIS an integral part of the HMIS software solution.
Benefits of Radiology Information Software
Automated Patient Workflow
An RIS system eliminates the redundant processes and the need for paper based documentation. The communication between staff members have been increased because all of them are using one centralized system.
Improved Patient Care
Patients are more satisfied and well treated as the system eases the patient workflow with transparency.
Reduction in Errors
With the right RIS system, you can accomplish more precise analysis. As the paper based work is eliminated, the chances of error are very low (almost zero).
Maximizing Revenue
With the RIS system various reports are generated in an easy and quick way. This translates to quicker billing and faster reimbursements from insurance providers. It tracks outstanding invoices and follows up on overdue payments. Furthermore, the system minimizes the number of missed appointments.
Increased productivity
The team at your lab is not involved in the manual and paper–based work. All the repetitive work is automatic so the team members can focus on their work.
Integrations
To start radiology practice, radiologists have to rely on three systems– RIS, PACS and EHR/HMIS software solutions. RIS are responsible for sending test results and reports. In the same way, PACS are responsible for sending diagnostic images. Furthermore, EHR or HMIS are generally to manage patient data and processes within and across the departments.
Radiology Information Systems (RIS) are an essential part of hospital management information systems. To exchange information and perform interoperability, the system must follow industry-specific standards which are as follow:
- Health Level 7 (HL7)
HL7 standards are used to transfer clinical and administrative data between different departments of the healthcare system.
- Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM)
DICOM standards are used for image processing and management.
- Enterprise Master Patient Index (EMPI)
EMPI is a patient database that is used to store and share accurate patient information to healthcare professionals.
Choosing a Right RIS Software Solution
Every system has its own merits and demerits. You have to identify all key functionalities and integrations you want, then look for the available RIS software solution provider in the market.
Make sure the RIS solution can be integrated with other healthcare tools seamlessly. On top of that, the solution is customizable and scalable to your specific needs. If your needs will change in future, will it be able to align with those needs?
Apart from software’s capability, vendor support and customer services are also very crucial at any stage. Prefer vendors providing exceptional support and customer services. Cost of the solution and return on investment (ROI) are other important points to consider while selecting the right RIS software solution.
Why Choose Aarogya Radiology Software Solution
We, at Aarogya, understand the specific needs of Indian radiology practices. The interface of the solution is simple and easy to use. Our solution is:
- User-friendly
- HL7, DICOM and HIPAA compliant
- Highly Secured
- Fully Customizable
- Affordable
- Reliable
Aarogya is backed by exceptional support and customer services. The solution can be integrated easily with HMIS, PCAS, and other systems.
Conclusion
Radiology Information Systems (RIS) are like the brains behind the operations of radiology labs and departments. These systems handle everything from appointment booking to tests tracking and delivering results. They save time, improve accuracy and ensure better patient outcomes.
Contact us to get a free demo.
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