Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Aren't all radiology information systems basically the same in features and functionality?  If so, why would I ever want to replace my RIS system?

A:  Radiology Information Systems are a lot like cars.  You can get a very simple one that has most of the basic features and will get you from point A to point B.  Or, you can select one that has all the options that are important to you such as mileage, dependability, safety, comfort, etc.  Just like cars, RIS systems can vary GREATLY.  That's why you should go through an extensive selection process to determine which RIS best fits your unique needs.

Q: My facility has a single-source system.  How can I replace the Radiology Information System with a better one?  How will they talk together?  

A: Just like audio equipment talks together via RCA, optic or HDMI cables, healthcare information systems talk together via HL7. 

Q: HL7 is supposed to be a standard, but is it really? 

A: I would classify HL7 as a partial standard.  That's because they only enforce their standards to a portion of HL7 segments.  Other parts can be user-defined.  Crafty single-source vendors often put important information in those user-defined fields to make it more difficult for another vendor to find them.

Q: If we were to select Swearingen as the Radiology Information System to replace the one that came with our single-source package, how can I be sure it will properly interface?

A: Swearingen Software has the most sophisticated and flexible HL7 interfaces on the market.  We guarantee that we can interface to ANY third-party product that also uses HL7... even if they use user-defined fields. 

Q: My facility has a single-source system.  How can I replace the Radiology Information System with a better one?  How will they talk together?  

A: Just like audio equipment talks together via RCA, optic or HDMI cables, healthcare information systems talk together via HL7. 

Q: HL7 is supposed to be a standard, but is it really? 

A: I would classify HL7 as a partial standard.  That's because they only enforce their standards to a portion of HL7 segments.  Other parts can be user-defined.  Crafty single-source vendors often put important information in those user-defined fields to make it more difficult for another vendor to find them.

Q: If we were to select Swearingen as the Radiology Information System to replace the one that came with our single-source package, how can I be sure it will properly interface?

A: Swearingen Software has the most sophisticated and flexible HL7 interfaces on the market.  We guarantee that we can interface to ANY third-party product that also uses HL7... even if they use user-defined fields. 

Q: How can I justify switching from my single-source RIS to your best-of-breed RIS?

A: Give us a call.  We can do a free in-dept analysis for you.  That analysis will allow us to calculate the approximate annual savings of using RISynergy over your existing RIS.  Often, the annual savings can be in the tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars!  Please read the article (under the Articles tab) titled, "Is Your Radiology Information System Stealing Your Radiology Profits?"