A Radiology Information System (RIS) is an essential software platform for any radiology practice. RIS complements other critical elements of a healthcare system such as electronic health records (EHR) and the picture archiving and communication system (PACS). RIS stores and organizes a large amount of patient information; radiology professionals should familiarize themselves with the variety of information that a typical RIS system processes.

One of the greatest challenges in providing excellent patient care is inefficiencies in data processing. This ranges from new patient processing to scheduling, initial consultations, and follow-up appointments to billing for services. The best radiology information system alleviates the day-to-day pressures of inefficient data entry and report generation giving you and your staff the time to do what you do best, take great care of your patients. Keep reading to learn more about what a radiology information system is and how it can improve efficiencies in your radiology practice.

Do you own or manage a large radiology business and are noticing a decline in your patient population? Or maybe your problem is not being able to maintain a competent workforce. If these issues describe you, your dilemma could be linked to using outdated ways of keeping records. More and more healthcare professionals are becoming aware of the need to modernize how records are kept by using a state-of-the-art radiology information system (RIS). Here are some of the pros and cons of a radiology information system and its software, along with a few considerations and warnings. What Is a Radiology Information System? Even though radiology information systems were first introduced in the 1980s, many people are still unfamiliar with them. Basically, a radiology information system is a software system used to manage medical data and imagery. It's used to track radiology, imaging orders, and billing information. The system allows you to combine several functions into a single comprehensive system.

A great deal of financial work goes on behind the scenes at any thriving medical practice. That’s a given, since you cannot keep the doors open and the lights on if you neglect seeing to the timely delivery of payment for each patient you take care of. With that in mind, professionals who are in search of solutions to save their medical organization time and money find themselves turning to revenue cycle management software.

Many familiar objects are starting to become phased out to be substituted with digital versions. For example, we read e-books on our portable devices, listen to digital music instead of purchasing physical recordings, and enjoy streaming videos instead of going to a store to buy a Blu-ray disc. Paper prescriptions signed by the hand of a physician are another example of objects going digital. If you currently rely on paper prescriptions but have some awareness that electronic prescriptions offer some benefits, read on to learn how they can improve your practice and the patient experience.

We live in an era of accelerated change with constant innovation in technology, including medical equipment, computers, and software that never stay the same for very long. While your primary focus is on providing outstanding healthcare service, you have to devote some time and attention to staying up-to-date with all your technology too, since we rely so much on devices and applications to provide medical services.

Extending your brand in the marketplace is the key to bringing more business your way. This applies to all types of companies, including those that are dedicated to providing healthcare services to patients. If your organization is not seeing as many patients as are called for in your business plans, it’s time to focus on the amount and quality of the marketing you are currently doing, with an eye toward making some improvements.

You’re focused on providing the highest quality of care for each patient who comes through the doors of your medical practice, and this leaves you little time to consider how you can expand your brand in the marketplace. However, improving the reach and exposure of your practice with online platforms is essential for increasing your patient pool.

How do new patients find out about your practice? As is the case with any company, you cannot remain stagnant and expect to continue to thrive. Medical practices continuously take in new patients to offset other patients who leave because they have moved out of the area, changed insurance, or simply want to switch to another practice. If you’re not effectively engaging with patients and the community, you’ll want to forge a clear path to create a patient referral program as soon as possible.

Practitioners of the healing arts as well as the various supporting staff members around them work in an environment that is informed by progress made by professionals following the scientific method. Part of the scientific method includes measuring actual data and then forming a plan based on results.