Radiology Informatics Gets a New Look

Posted 03:27 PM, February 28, 2007, by jaruiz

By Susan Eaton and Linda Rodriguez
(Images courtesy of Mark Riesenberger)

The Radiology Department will be implementing a new Radiology Information System/Picture Archiving and Communications System (RIS/PACS) in August of 2007. The latest RIS/PACS system will include a new RIS system, Centricity RIS-IC, and a major version upgrade to Centricity PACS.

The new RIS is a web-based system that includes integration between RIS and PACS with single sign-on and RIS driven work lists for the radiologist. RIS also supports document management, enhanced ICD9 coding functionality, and worklists.

In addition to the major software version upgrade, PACS is replacing the core system hardware. This replacement will provide added functionality, improved response time, and greater image storage expansion. Automated worklists, display protocols, and exam codes will also be reviewed as part of the implementation. Where appropriate, outdated worklists, protocols, and exam codes on PACS will be replaced, redesigned, or eliminated.

Future state workflow design sessions for schedulers, technologists, and billers have been completed and "transition workflows" are being finalized. Radiologist workflows will be reviewed in early March. In addition, teams are forming to examine the operational process issues identified during the workflow design review. System build and the review of the scheduling templates are well underway. One notable item with this implementation is that the current DECMail function used for electronic mail will be replaced by the hospital-wide Outlook mail.

For additional information, please contact Susan Eaton (seaton@stanfordmed.org) or Linda Rodriguez (LiRodriguez@stanfordmed.org).

Stay tuned for more to come!