Healthcare institutions use radiology information systems to manage medical imaging activities. Radiology information systems can be used by radiology departments of hospitals or medical centers, as well as by independent radiology centers. From scheduling appointments to the delivery of images and reports, radiology information system solutions are used to improve the patient experience and increase the productivity of radiologic technologists or other personnel.
Since medical imaging is very important for diagnostic and treatment, radiology information systems need to integrate with other health care solutions such as medical practice management. Chiropractors and physiotherapists also use medical imaging, which is why the software solutions they use often times integrate with radiology information solutions. For advanced image management and manipulation, radiology information systems needs to integrate with picture archiving and communication systems.
To qualify for inclusion in the Radiology Information Systems category, a product must:
- Include different types of medical imaging such as x-rays, ultrasounds, RMIs, and more
- Store images in different formats and provide the ability to share them with patients and doctors
- Create appointments for patients and schedule radiology technologists based on their availability
- Manage patient contact and identification information
- Provide medical imaging viewing and sharing features
- Track exams, results, follow ups for each patient
- Deliver or integrate with payment processing functionality
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA and other healthcare regulations
