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Understanding the need to update knowledge and invest in modern devices is the first step to entering the era of Health 5.0—an environment where digitalized processes, such as digital radiology, have become part of daily operations in healthcare institutions. If staff members are still using outdated tools, they will not be enough for the institution to innovate and improve results.
However, this digitalization process requires focus and planning to ensure that the implementation of new tools does not create challenges for management. In this guide, we will cover the key aspects to prioritize in order to promote a strong digital transformation culture in radiology.
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Key Tools for Digital Radiology
Evaluation is the key concept when implementing digital radiology in a corporate setting. Before making any investments, it is essential to understand the clinic’s needs and have clear objectives. This will allow management to accurately assess which software solutions are most suitable for the institution, ensuring a strong return on investment.
Below, we will explore the main tools that enable digital radiology, focusing on aspects such as automation of processes, data security, staff productivity, and improved patient care. Let’s get started!
Discover the applications of Health 5.0 technologies and learn about the essential investments!
PACS
PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is a software solution that automates the digitization, sharing, and storage of medical images.
This intelligent system enables data cross-referencing and rapid access to reports and procedures, which can be crucial for patient care. Streamlining processes can make a life-saving difference for a patient. PACS operates in four key steps:
- Image acquisition related to the patient’s exam.
- Real-time presentation of results to the radiologist.
- Availability of images within the institution or on mobile devices, such as tablets.
- Image storage for future reference, allowing more accurate diagnoses through comparisons.
There are many benefits to adopting an intelligent system for digital radiology like PACS. Many healthcare facilities still use outdated equipment, which is: Not user-friendly, lacking proper licensing and incompatible with other modern technologies.
System integrations play a critical role in radiology’s digital transformation. Only by integrating data intelligence within a unified database can institutions ensure no critical information is lost along the way.
Additionally, with a robust system like PACS, the need for manual operations is minimized, as data collection and recording are fully digital. Multiple specialists can access images in real time, allowing for faster and more efficient evaluations based on patient records.
RIS
Another comprehensive solution in the field of radiology is RIS (Radiology Information System)—a software solution that manages all processes in diagnostic imaging centers. This system automates all radiology workflows, including appointment scheduling, patient management, reporting, and billing.
Beyond these core functionalities, RIS stands out for two key capabilities: Integration with other systems, such as PACS and customizable features, which can be activated based on institutional needs.
Learn more about how automation optimizes operational workflows in diagnostic imaging centers!
Smart Scheduling
Smart scheduling through RIS brings greater profitability for the institution and higher productivity for teams. Many clinics fail to fill their appointment capacity due to missed opportunities and idle time. With smart scheduling, this issue does not occur.
For example, the system can be configured so that if an open slot becomes available, teams are alerted to contact patients from specific insurance providers and accommodate them in the available time slots.
Smart scheduling also filters a series of important data required for procedures, sending patients information such as insurance authorizations and exam preparation instructions.
Patient Care and Reporting
The patient care and reporting features of RIS allow for a much more satisfactory patient experience. Here’s how it works: Upon arriving at the institution, the patient receives a number at the kiosk and proceeds with smart check-in. The receptionist updates RIS, indicating that the patient is present and ready for the exam.
The result of this process is a more productive interaction with radiology technicians. When the technician receives the information through RIS, they can communicate with the patient and provide guidance for the exam. Depending on the type of exam, there may be specific preparation procedures.
For instance, in MRI scans, the process differs as it may require anamnesis, medication, or other special preparations. Information regarding the exam and the patient is entered into the system, enabling a more precise diagnostic analysis.
RIS in Practice
Let’s consider an example: The technician prepares the patient to enter the examination room and proceed with the exam. Both the patient and the exam are tracked and mapped. The technician initiates the operations while the equipment, integrated with RIS and PACS, automates the process, making it safer and more efficient.
Throughout this process, patient registration data and generated images are used, ensuring a smoother workflow in the patient-exam-physician interaction.
Another scenario is when a patient has multiple exams scheduled. It is essential to follow the correct order, meaning that if an exam requires contrast or anesthesia, it must be performed after another procedure.
RIS streamlines this internal organization, allowing the system to track and monitor the patient within the institution, notifying the technician in charge of the next exam that the patient is ready for the procedure.
Billing in Digital Radiology
After the exam is completed, the patient is discharged, and the images are stored in PACS for the radiologist to study and diagnose. Meanwhile, RIS continues with the pre-billing module for insurance providers.
For example, if an insurance provider requires a duplicate report, RIS automates this process, generating the necessary pre-billing document for the exam invoice. Within RIS, billing management promotes financial control. The clinic’s management can: Receive exam records, track cash flow, manage insurance claims and oversee services billing.
In the back-office, specific management modules exist, including financial administration, inventory control for medications, reports, dashboards, and Business Intelligence (BI)—all integrated and functioning harmoniously. This integration is fundamental for effective data-driven management, ensuring precise financial oversight and strategic resource allocation for procedures.
With platform integration, it is also possible to analyze which procedures generate higher or lower profitability, assess whether new investments are needed to meet demand increases, and conduct other key financial assessments. The billing management feature also simplifies inventory and medication tracking, which is often a bottleneck in many clinics.
PACS and RIS Integration
We have seen that one of the key differentiators of specialized digital radiology software is the integration of systems. This PACS and RIS integration ensures a faster and more reliable radiology service. The benefits impact the entire radiology team, including the diagnostic physician, the reporting physician, and the radiologist.
Here is a summary of the main advantages of integrating intelligent platforms:
- Unified patient record and universal access
- Accurate image management and distribution
- Elimination of radiographic films and chemical developers
- Reduction of costs and shorter wait times for patients and physicians
- Greater operational efficiency and increased team productivity
- Remote access to patient data, enabling telemedicine
Digital Radiology: Where to Start?
Considering all the points mentioned above, we summarize the key aspects to consider when implementing digital radiology successfully in your institution.
Strengthen the Digital Transformation Culture
A mindset shift is necessary before beginning the digitalization process in radiology. If the digital transformation culture is not properly communicated to staff, they may struggle to adapt to changes. In this scenario, even management risks selecting inadequate software.
It is common for employees across different departments, whether in radiology or other areas, to feel uncertain about unfamiliar technology. This is a natural reaction. Therefore, the more management understands the institution’s needs and provides clear information to the team, the easier the transition will be.
In this regard, in addition to working with specialized providers for proper support, management must invest in practices such as presentations, workshops, and immersion sessions. These activities help the team understand how the new tools work and how to maximize their use for a smoother and more efficient workflow.
Align the IT Department
The Information Technology (IT) department plays a crucial role in implementing digital radiology, as these professionals have the technical expertise to evaluate the quality and performance of the selected software. In fact, the process of analyzing institutional needs and selecting the right software should be led by IT professionals.
They are familiar with the systems, understand the internal workflows, and stay updated on digital advancements across industries. There is no doubt that internal IT teams or external consultants can contribute significantly to planning and adjustments, ensuring a smooth digital radiology transition.
Partner with a Specialized Provider
We have already discussed the importance of expert guidance when transitioning to digital radiology. After all, not all challenges come from within the institution. If software providers are not competent, this is where problems will arise.
To make an informed choice, it is essential to work closely with the IT department, as mentioned earlier, and carefully evaluate the software functionalities.
For example, PACS functionalities should align with the institution’s expectations and operational needs. Some essential PACS features include:
- Medical document digitization
- DICOM image capture
- Remote access for report generation and data management
- Specialized analytical tools and customization for each exam
- Voice recognition for efficient reporting
Digital Radiology is Already a Reality
All the features, benefits, and applications of specialized radiology software demonstrate that digital radiology is now a reality for institutions seeking to remain competitive.
However, it is crucial to remember that innovation requires careful planning. Implementing digital radiology means adopting a new culture and securing specialized support.
As we have seen, working with specialized providers and integrated software solutions are key pillars of this transition. Without integration, systems cannot communicate, and data gets lost. Without unified data, there is no information. Without information, there is no progress. Finally, team preparation is essential. It is pointless for management to invest in the best software if the team is not trained to use it effectively.
Innovation, in this sense, requires collaboration between management, staff, and providers to foster a digital transformation culture and move forward. This approach combines operational efficiency, financial balance, and high-quality patient care.
Are you ready to begin the digital transformation of radiology? Get answers to your questions and discover the innovations that Pixeon's PACS brings to radiology reporting!
