Lesson 9 chapter 11 Benefits and Features

OTHER HOSPITAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

Different vendors have varying degrees of available features.
CARDIOLOGY INFORMATION SYSTEM (CIS) However, the following are the most common benefits they
enumerate:
Cardiology Information Systems (CIS) are mainly focused on the
storage and retrieval of cardiology-centric images. 1. Ease of access while maintaining data security

CIS usually receive an order with patient demographics Unlike in the past when doctors would need to request
from other information management systems, and once the images are different imaging results from different departments, CIS
acquired from imaging modalities, they are profiled against the order consolidates multiple types of patient cardiology information
and stored for further distribution, viewing, and long-term archive
(Katipula and Ireland, 2013). 2. Flexibility in the workflow

The information used by cardiologists for diagnosis and Availability of mobile technology allows cardiologists to
treatment of their patients varies from personal notes (history, assess a wide array of information without having to leave the patient
physical examination), to signals (electrocardiograms), images bedside. Having cardiology data in a single platform offers mobility
(echocardiograms, angiograms, CT, MRI) and reports from to physicians and nurses alike, thereby improving the efficiency of
investigations and from procedures. All this information can providing service.
currently be provided in digital format, and
3. Enhanced comparability
Cardiology Information Systems serve as a repository
which houses these forms of imagery. Because a CIS is essentially a repository of cardiology
Unfortunately, most CIS are limited to their storage capabilities and imagery results, retrieval of past data is effortless. This
do not include post-processing functions. comparability enables healthcare professionals to make more
informed decisions for their patient's treatment.
Evolution
Functionalities
Decades ago, the requirements for an electronic medical
information system were restricted by the availability of equipment. ❖ Editing, Viewing, and Storing Multi-Modal Cardiology Data
A good database schema combined with a functional user interface ➢ Different types of data, including computed tomography (CT),
was deemed adequate. cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography), magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), nuclear imaging (PET and SPECT), and
In the 1970s, available cardiology information systems angiography may be managed on a single platform with the
originated from a mainframe environment, the technical specifics of help of the CIS.
which would be considered ridiculous in the present day setting.
❖ Remote Access
Modular systems became the trend in the 80s, which ➢ The use of networks and integrated information systems,
emphasized the use of real-time applications and mini computers coupled with the availability of the internet and tablets and
(Turney and Kohls, 1997). smartphones, offer flexibility to Cardiology Information
Systems.
Over the years, the trend for smaller computers remained,
but the introduction of the Internet became a turning point that ❖ Visualization and Reporting Capabilities
shifted the focus of most systems to creating networks and facilitating ➢ One of the main benefits of Cardiology Information Systems
integration. is the ease and consistency of reporting.
➢ Virtually real-time information retrieval is possible with just a
Cardiology information systems nowadays have unique couple of clicks and queries, and is possible from multiple
features that enable remote access and easy retrieval. locations.

Some CIS have also attempted to integrate with a ❖ EHR Integration

radiology information system to create a cardiovascular information ➢ Since a CIS may be integrated with existing Electronic Health
system that is capable of more than just storage, but rather particularly Record Systems, it can enhance the quality of services offered
involving more administrative processes. by health professionals by offering a more comprehensive
view of the patient care spectrum.
 RADIOLOGY INFORMATION SYSTEM

A Radiology Information System (RIS) is a networked Rouse (2017) describes the following functions of an RIS:
software system for managing medical imagery and associated
data. Patient Management
An RIS can track a patient's entire workflow within the
An RIS is especially useful for tracking radiology radiology department; radiology providers can add images and reports
imaging orders and billing information, and is often used in to EHRs, where they can be retrieved and viewed by authorized
conjunction with Picture Archiving and Communication Systems radiology staff.
(PACS) and Vendor Neutral Archivals (VNA) to manage image
archives, record-keeping and billing within a Hospital Information Scheduling
System (HIS) (Rouse, 2017). The RIS allows staff to make appointments for both
inpatients and outpatients.
❖ Hospital Information Systems (HIS)
➢ A hospital management information system or hospital Patient Tracking
information system (HIS) is an element of health informatics Using a RIS system, providers can track a patient's entire
that focuses mainly on the administrational needs of hospitals. radiology history from admission to discharge and coordinate the
history with past, present, and future appointments.
❖ Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)
➢ It is a healthcare technology for short-term and long-term Results Reporting
storage, retrieval, management, and distribution and A RIS can generate statistical reports for a single patient,
presentation of images. group of patients, or particular procedures.

❖ Vendor Neutral Archival (VNA) Image Tracking

➢ In a health information technology context, it is as medical Traditionally, radiology providers use RIS to track
imaging used by the healthcare professionals that stores images individual films and their associated data. But as EHRs have become
in a standard format and interface, making medical imaging data standard across the healthcare industry and digitized images and
accessible through different picture archiving and PACS have been widely adopted, radiology departments and their
communication systems (PACS). RIS-PACS systems have been more drawn into the clinical workflow
of the entire medical enterprise.
Advantages of Using an RIS
Billing
Better Communication with Referring Doctors RIS systems provide detailed financial record-keeping
and process electronic payments and automated claims, though these
An RIS can integrate with the referring doctor's electronic functions are becoming incorporated into medical organizations'
health record or EHR system, so you can access patient data easily overall EHR systems.
and quickly. The result is a better experience for referring doctors,
which dramatically increases the likelihood they will refer more KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
patients to you.
● Cardiology Information Systems (CIS) are mainly focused on the storage
and retrieval of cardiology-centric images.
Faster Payments
● The benefits and features of CIS include: ease of access while maintaining
A chief benefit of a RIS is that you can use it to verify data security, flexibility in the workflow, and enhanced comparability.
insurance before a patient visit. The electronic payments you are
now capable of receiving means that you get paid faster. ● The functionalities of CIS are (a) editing, viewing and storing multi-modal
cardiology data, (b) remote access, (c) visualization and reporting
Improved Efficiency capabilities, and (d) EHR Integration.

● A Radiology Information System (RIS) is a networked software system for

It is much faster to find, input, and create reports from
managing medical imagery and associated data. An RIS is especially
patient data when the records are computerized. With the information useful for tracking radiology imaging orders and billing information, and is
digitized and no longer needing to be entered into records a second or often used in conjunction with Picture Archiving and Communication
third time. Systems (PACS) and Vendor Neutral Archivals (VNA) to manage image
archives, record-keeping and billing within a Hospital Information System
FUNCTIONS of an RIS (HIS).

● The following are functions of a RIS: Patient management, Scheduling,

Patient Tracking, Results Reporting, Image Tracking, and Billing.