Why is your RIS system so important for the Receptionist?

Standard RIS systems are designed to retrieve patient data from the HIS which is used in most cases only as a scheduling system, rather than a data capture system. In reality, most data capture in South African practices, is done by the Receptionist. This includes the capture of documents pertaining to the patient from clinical through to medical aid claims and billing information. A system that does not allow full data capture or correct scanning facilities, puts enormous strain on this resource.

How does an efficient RIS PACS system really benefit the radiographer?

Generically PACS should save your radiographer time and thus the practice money. All RIS PACS systems should allow the radiographer to benefit from receiving the patient data immediately anywhere in the department. The DICOM Worklist is now implemented as a standard to save time and increase accuracy. Not all  systems are designed to successfully enhance the radiographers’ performance on multiple levels.

Do Radiologists really have access to all the data anywhere and any time?

It is uncertain if radiologists are benefitting from this promise to receive all the RIS PACS data anywhere and any time.

Do your multisite installations work on a centralised system?

Certain systems can only work off a single central RIS/PACS server, putting pressure on the WAN infrastructure to enable the remote branches to function. Other solutions have pure stand alone databases at each branch with no central database.

Pro Med has optimised their system to incorporate the best of both solutions, while still maintaining central unique patient ID across the practice. Remote branches will function in case of WAN failure alongside a centralised worklist enabling multisite reporting. Using pure web technology, reporting can take place from any site.

How does your billing integrate into your RIS and are you saving money?

It is safe to say that your practice is at a risk of losing revenue if you do not have a successful integration of your billing system into your RIS. Most systems come with a separate billing package. A separate application has to be opened for billing, feeing and receipting as the function cannot be performed from the RIS.

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Ultimately, your solution will only be as capable as its weakest link. It is the Practice Managers endeavour to make sure that all the components of an efficient RIS/PACS/BILLING system function properly, but more importantly, as a single unit.

As a practice manager your first port of call would be to partner with an experienced vendor in possession of a proven track record. This will guarantee a successful installation followed by all the benefits that were promised. Pro Med has an uncontested track record to date which is aiding many practices countrywide to maximise the returns from their initial investment.

Is your referring physician really benefitting from your RIS PACS system?

The success and cost savings of a true RIS PACS system can be measured by the benefits felt by the patient and referring physician. A lot of healthcare professionals are not yet comfortable with technology. Therefore, your PACS system should make procedures in healthcare simpler and faster. Your patient needs to know that you care. Your referring physician needs to be able to easily embrace this technological advance and realise the benefits of receiving the reports and images digitally.