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Radiology Information System (RIS): Complete Guide

February 1, 2026 11 min read

A Radiology Information System (RIS) manages the entire imaging workflow—from scheduling to reporting. For hospitals with imaging departments, RIS is essential for efficiency and quality. This guide covers everything about RIS for Indian healthcare.

What is RIS?

RIS (Radiology Information System) is specialized software that manages radiology department operations:

  • Patient scheduling and registration
  • Imaging order management
  • Workflow tracking (waiting → scanned → reported)
  • Report creation and distribution
  • Billing and analytics

Order Management

Track imaging orders from request to completion

PACS Integration

View images directly within the system

Smart Reports

Template-based reporting with voice dictation

Analytics

Equipment utilization, TAT, revenue analysis

RIS vs PACS: What's the Difference?

AspectRISPACS
Primary FunctionWorkflow managementImage storage & viewing
HandlesText data, scheduling, billingDICOM images
UsersReceptionists, radiologistsRadiologists primarily
BillingYesNo

Best Practice: Use RIS and PACS together with bi-directional integration for complete radiology workflow.

Key Features of RIS

1. Scheduling & Registration

  • Online appointment booking
  • SMS/WhatsApp reminders
  • Patient preparation instructions
  • Multiple modality scheduling

2. Worklist Management

  • DICOM Modality Worklist (MWL)
  • Auto-send patient data to equipment
  • Priority flagging (ER, routine)
  • Status tracking dashboard

3. Reporting

  • Structured reporting templates
  • Voice dictation support
  • Critical findings alerts
  • Digital signature
  • Comparison with previous studies

4. Integration

  • PACS for image viewing
  • HMS for patient data
  • ABDM for health records sharing
  • AI for automated findings

Benefits of RIS

  • 30% Faster TAT: Streamlined workflow reduces turnaround time
  • Zero Lost Films: Everything is digital and tracked
  • Better Equipment Utilization: Optimal scheduling
  • Accurate Billing: Auto-capture of procedures performed
  • Tele-Radiology: Remote reporting by specialists

Modalities Supported

  • X-Ray / Digital Radiography (DR)
  • Ultrasound (USG)
  • CT Scan
  • MRI
  • Mammography
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Interventional Radiology

Choosing RIS for Your Hospital

  • Modality Count: Number of imaging equipment
  • Volume: Daily studies performed
  • Integration: Existing HMS, PACS compatibility
  • Tele-Radiology: Remote reporting needs
  • NABL Accreditation: Compliance requirements

Need Radiology Software?

Adrine's integrated RIS module works seamlessly with your hospital workflow and PACS.

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