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SWEARINGEN SOFTWARE
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Products
    • RISynergy
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    • Centralized Scheduling
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    • Director of Radiology
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  • Articles
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    • Radiology Workflow
    • RIS Vendor Secrets
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  • What is a RIS?
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What is a Radiology Information system (RIS)?

 

A Radiology Information System (RIS) is a software platform designed to manage and streamline patient workflow within a radiology department.

Before RIS systems were introduced, radiology operations were largely manual and paper-based—from scheduling exams to maintaining daily logs and generating productivity reports. These processes were not only time-consuming, but also increased the risk of human error.


How a RIS Works

A RIS can be thought of as a central hub for radiology operations.


  • Input: Exam orders, typically submitted by referring physicians 
  • Processing: Scheduling, tracking, and managing patient workflow 
  • Output: Finalized radiology reports, dictated by radiologists and delivered to referring providers 


This structured workflow ensures that information flows efficiently from order to diagnosis.

Workflow Prior to RIS - Radiology Information System

 

Front Desk Workflow (Manual Process)


  1. Manual scheduling using multiple books 
  2. Searching for patient records in physical card files (often resulting in lost, misfiled, or duplicate records) 
  3. Writing or typing patient information onto requisitions, film jackets, flash cards, and daily logs 
  4. Applying sticker numbers to film jackets 
  5. Notifying technologists when patients arrived 
  6. Manually preparing charges at the end of the day


 

Technologist Workflow


  1. Perform imaging exam(s) 
  2. Manually update requisition information 
  3. Transfer flash card data onto film 
  4. Develop film(s) 
  5. Deliver film(s) to radiologist 
  6. Store repeat films in designated areas

 

Radiologist Workflow


  1. Review film and request retakes if needed 
  2. Dictate results 
  3. Review hardcopy reports 
  4. Physically sign results 
  5. Create billing documentation

 

Transcription Workflow (Manual Process)


  1. Listen to dictated reports 
  2. Type reports (on typewriter or computer) 
  3. Print multiple copies of each report 
  4. Sort reports by radiologist for approval 
  5. Deliver reports for signature 
  6. Manually fax approved reports to referring physicians 

 

Common Challenges Before RIS Systems


Manual radiology workflows created significant operational challenges that impacted efficiency, accuracy, and patient care.


  • Scheduling conflicts due to lack of centralized systems 
  • Lost or missed charges affecting revenue 
  • Inability to track patient wait times 
  • Heavy reliance on manually created documents 
  • Time-consuming statistical reporting 
  • Slow turnaround time for transcribed results 
  • Limited visibility into staff productivity 
  • No seamless way to exchange data with other systems 
  • Physical storage requirements for film jackets and card files 
  • Difficulty tracking critical patient information such as allergies

The Evolution to Digital Radiology Systems

As radiology departments grew in complexity, manual processes became unsustainable. The need for faster workflows, better accuracy, and seamless communication led to the development of digital solutions.

Radiology Information Systems (RIS) transformed how departments operate—replacing paper-based workflows with integrated, automated systems.


How RIS Changed Radiology Operations

Modern RIS platforms introduced:


  • Centralized scheduling and patient tracking 
  • Automated workflow management from order to result 
  • Faster report turnaround times 
  • Improved communication between radiologists and referring physicians 
  • Integration with PACS, EMR, and other healthcare systems 


From Manual Chaos to Connected Systems

Instead of relying on disconnected, paper-driven processes, radiology departments can now operate with real-time data, streamlined workflows, and complete operational visibility.

This shift marks the transition from manual inefficiency to modern, data-driven radiology management.

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Radiology Workflow with a RIS

 

Front Desk Workflow (With RIS)


  1. Intelligent scheduling algorithms 
  2. Schedule across multiple sites 
  3. Capture patient ADT and orders via HL7 
  4. Automatically generate required forms 
  5. Notify technologists in real time 
  6. Worklists for exams to be scheduled 
  7. Worklists for exams scheduled for today 
  8. Track patient wait times 
  9. Automated patient alerts 

 

Technologist Workflow


  1. Access modality-specific worklists 
  2. Select patient and associated order 
  3. Perform exam(s) and adjust images as needed 
  4. Update RIS order status (if required) 
  5. Track start and end times by technologist and modality 
  6. Identify exams that remain incomplete or open

 

Radiologist Workflow


  1. View assigned exams and reading worklists 
  2. Track critical value exams 
  3. Monitor turnaround time for reads 
  4. Approve and finalize reports 
  5. Auto-approve normal exams (if configured) 
  6. Automatically distribute finalized results

 

Transcription Workflow


Traditional transcription processes are replaced or enhanced by voice recognition technology—significantly reducing report turnaround time and improving efficiency.

RIS/PACs Workflow

Radiology Workflow with a Radiology Information System

 

Step-by-Step RIS Workflow in Radiology

The RIS workflow begins when a referring physician orders an exam for a patient.


1. Order Entry and System Integration

The order is entered into the Hospital Information System (HIS) and transmitted via HL7 to the RIS, PACS, EMR, voice recognition, and other connected systems.


2. Patient Scheduling

Radiology staff schedule the patient using advanced scheduling tools within the RIS, optimizing resources and appointment availability.


3. Patient Check-In and Worklist Generation

When the patient arrives:


  • They check in at the radiology front desk 
  • The patient is added to the technologist worklist in real time 
  • The RIS tracks patient wait times and workflow status 

4. Exam Performance and Data Capture

The technologist performs the exam and records key data, including:

  • Radiation dosage 
  • Repeat exams 
  • Supplies and inventory usage 

5. Radiologist Worklist and Interpretation

Once the exam is complete:

  • The case appears on the radiologist worklist 
  • The radiologist reviews the images via PACS 
  • Findings are dictated using voice recognition or sent to transcription 


6. Reporting and Approval

  • Reports are transcribed (via voice recognition or transcriptionist) 
  • The case appears on the radiologist approval worklist 
  • The radiologist reviews and finalizes the report 


7. Result Distribution and Communication

After approval:

  • Results are transmitted via HL7 to HIS, PACS, EMR, billing, and other systems 
  • Reports are delivered to referring physicians via fax or secure email 
  • Results may also be shared directly with patients

 

Fully Automated, End-to-End Workflow

This integrated workflow eliminates manual steps, reduces delays, and ensures accurate, real-time communication across all systems involved in patient care.


 

RIS and PACS Workflow Integration

A modern Radiology Information System (RIS) works seamlessly with PACS, voice recognition systems, and hospital information systems (HIS) to create a fully connected radiology workflow.


How RIS Integrates with Other Systems


In a typical radiology environment, the RIS acts as the central hub connecting multiple systems:


  • Referring Physician Systems (HIS/EHR): Send exam orders to the RIS via HL7 
  • RIS: Manages scheduling, workflow, and exam tracking 
  • Modality (Imaging Equipment): Receives worklists from RIS using DICOM 
  • PACS: Stores and provides access to diagnostic images 
  • Radiologist Workstation: Retrieves images from PACS and sends results back to RIS 
  • Voice Recognition Systems: Convert dictation into structured reports 


End-to-End Radiology Workflow

  1. Physician submits an order through the HIS/EHR 
  2. RIS receives and processes the order 
  3. Modality retrieves the worklist via DICOM 
  4. Images are captured and stored in PACS 
  5. Radiologist reviews images and dictates results 
  6. Results are finalized in RIS 
  7. Reports are delivered back to the referring physician 


Why Integration Matters

  • Eliminates duplicate data entry 
  • Reduces errors and delays 
  • Enables real-time communication between systems 
  • Improves report turnaround time 
  • Ensures a seamless flow of data across the radiology department

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