Evaluating RIS and PACS Software

Your choice of RIS (Radiology Information System) and PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) software is an important decision. Your choices today will impact your workplace for years to come. You need a system that solves problems and speeds workflow.

When evaluating RIS and PACS software, it is important to consider standards and objectives that are important to your end users. Below are some points around which you can plan your evaluation.

  • Specialization: Does the program offer radiology-specific functions such as 3D rendering and MIP/MPR?
  • Portability: Can images and notes be easily accessed from off-site, anywhere with an Internet connection?
  • Usability: Is the software designed intelligently so that you don’t have to hunt for what you need? Does the software present a consistent look and feel? Is it easy to administer?
  • Performance: Will the software adequately track patient flow for the traffic in your imaging center and distributed organization?
  • Relevance: Has a vendor provided you a thorough workflow assessment by experienced professionals?  Do the results of the assessment closely mirror your workflow?
  • Interoperability: Does the system support industry standards such as IHE, DICOM and HL7?
  • Support and training: Does the vendor have a good training and support program? Has the vendor been in business long enough to prove the quality of their work?
  • Reliability: Is the hardware configured to work with the software and has it been tested under real-world conditions?
  • Functionality: Does the product do everything you need it to do?
  • Scalability: Is the system able to match the future growth of your center?
  • Affordability: Is the system competitively priced in terms of total cost of ownership?
  • Security: Are there different password levels and other measures that appropriately protect patient data, and allow your practice to maintain HIPAA compliance?
  • Flexibility: Can the system be easily customized to suit the demands of your workflow and take into account the preferences of end users, regardless of where they access the system?

Remember: the evaluation should be a consultative process. Make sure you meet regularly with the end users who will be using the system and consider all their feedback. Ask different vendors for on-site demonstrations. Explore the details for RIS and PACS training and implementation programs. Finally, set a schedule for system implementation. Make sure the vendor is aware of your timing requirements and hold them to the timetable for completion of the project.

Start your evaluation process today. Sage Software offers a range of radiology solutions, from the powerful Intergy RIS by Sage, to the intuitive Intergy PACS by Sage. To find out more about these solutions complete our Request Info form or call 877-932-6301 and select Option 1.