Last Reviewed: November 27th, 2024

Best Radiology Information Systems Of 2024

What are Radiology Information Systems?

Radiology Information Systems (RIS) serves as a robust tool for managing, storing, and tracking radiology data and imagery. Developed to ease the complex management of radiological records and billing, RIS solves the problems of lost data, inefficiency and fragmented workflows. The software's streamlined scheduling, image tracking, and reporting ensure operational efficiency and better patient care. Key features include appointment scheduling, patient tracking, and results reporting, while emerging features might involve advanced integrations with Electronic Health Records and AI-based analysis. Primarily, hospitals, healthcare providers, and specifically radiology departments and clinics, obtain the most utility. Yet, RIS can involve a steep learning curve and sometimes have high implementation costs. In essence, RIS epitomizes the critical role of data management in effective healthcare. Further, the software's ability to streamline radiology practice workflows and improve patient care underscores its comprehensive value proposition.

What Are The Key Benefits of Radiology Information Systems?

  • Streamlines radiology workflows
  • Improves patient care
  • Prevents loss of data
  • Facilitates appointment scheduling
  • Efficient patient tracking
  • Promotes accurate reporting
  • Supports billing management
  • Allows image archiving
  • Integrates with EHRs
  • Uses AI-based analysis
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Overall

Based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub for 48 solutions, we determined the following solutions are the best Radiology Information Systems overall:

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Why We Picked Optum

Optum, a prominent player in the healthcare software arena, has attracted a range of user feedback over the past year, offering valuable insights into its strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for different user groups. Optum's users frequently highlight its comprehensive suite of features, encompassing mental health management, appointment scheduling, and medication tracking, as a key strength. This all-in-one approach simplifies healthcare management for individuals juggling multiple health concerns or those seeking a centralized platform. However, some users note that the extensive features can lead to a steeper learning curve, potentially posing challenges for individuals less comfortable with technology or those preferring simpler interfaces.

Optum distinguishes itself through its robust mental health support features, including mood tracking, journaling tools, and access to mental health professionals. This focus on mental well-being caters to a growing demand for integrated mental health solutions within healthcare platforms. Users appreciate the convenience and accessibility of these features, particularly in the context of rising mental health awareness. Conversely, some users mention occasional technical glitches or slow loading times as areas for improvement. Optum's emphasis on mental health support, coupled with its comprehensive features, makes it well-suited for individuals seeking a holistic healthcare management platform that prioritizes both physical and mental well-being. It is particularly beneficial for those with complex healthcare needs or those actively engaged in managing their mental health.

Pros & Cons

  • Extensive Network: Optum boasts a large network of mental health professionals, increasing the likelihood of finding a suitable therapist or psychiatrist in terms of location, specialty, and insurance coverage.
  • Care Coordination: Optum facilitates communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health care. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with complex needs or multiple diagnoses.
  • Virtual Care Options: Optum offers telehealth services, providing convenient access to mental health care from the comfort of home. This can be especially helpful for individuals with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those residing in underserved areas.
  • Limited In-Network Options: Finding mental health professionals within Optum's network can be challenging, especially for specialized care or in underserved areas. This limitation can force individuals to choose between paying out-of-pocket for preferred providers or settling for less suitable options within the network.
  • Preauthorization Requirements: Optum often requires preauthorization for certain mental health services, such as therapy sessions or medication. This process can be time-consuming and may delay access to necessary care, potentially exacerbating symptoms or hindering progress.
  • Claims and Billing Issues: Navigating the complexities of claims and billing processes with Optum can be frustrating for users. Issues such as denied claims, incorrect billing, or difficulty reaching customer service can create additional stress and financial burdens for individuals seeking mental health support.

Key Features

  • Pharmacy Care Services: OptumRx helps physicians improve their prescribing and helps patients receive the most effective medication at the best possible cost. Physicians can also precheck and authorize medications in real time. 
  • Healthcare Delivery: Provide quality primary care, specialty care and post-acute care by focusing more on treating the patients while also optimizing efficiency and lowering costs. 
  • Data and Health Analytics: Automate recognition of high-cost and high-risk patients with data-driven assistance at the point of care. Acquire patients by linking consumer and clinical data and access insights based on patient results. 
  • Population Health: Improve health outcomes and lower costs by using insights from data and analytics. A connected network of over 800 Centers of Excellence enables treatment with greater knowledge from the get-go. 
  • Advisory Services: Insights help healthcare providers against their biggest challenges so they can and empower the health system, increase revenue, engage customers and improve the quality of care.nbsp;
  • Individual and Family Solutions: Individuals can save money while having a greater part in their overall health with different solutions for healthcare, prescriptions and spending. 
  • Claims Administration: Promotes payment integrity with features to edit inaccurate claims, appropriately price bills, assess bill details, recover overpayments and prevent inaccurate billing. 
  • Optum Bank: Makes paying for treatment easier and more efficient with innovative payments solutions, leading to reduced costs without compromising on healthcare quality. Includes: 
    •  Health accounts for employees. 
    •  Hassle-free payment solutions for better healthcare. 
    •  Health account education with courses to educate employees to become better healthcare consumers. 
  • Optum360: Examine opportunities across the revenue cycle to increase margins and prepare for value-based reimbursement. Offers: 
    •  A patient financial experience that places them in the center of the revenue cycle. 
    •  A/R recovery and denial management to improve payment recovery. 
    •  Claims integrity and processing for quick and efficient claims and reimbursement. 
    •  Document and coding to help staff drive financial results proactively. 
  • Risk and Quality Solutions: Driven from the largest Medicare Advantage database in the industry. 
    • Retrospective Solutions: Improves accuracy and completeness with industry analytics. 
    • Prospective Solutions: Standardizes processes on behalf of multiple payers for better patient treatment. 
    • Improving Outcomes: Drives outcomes while reducing costs with people, technology and clinical insights. 

    Limitations

    User feedback at the time of this review indicates that some of the product limitations include:

    •  Not cost-effective for the features offered. 
    •  Runs slower for larger practices. 
    •  Lack of helpful customer support. 

    Suite Support

    mail_outlineEmail: [email protected].
    phonePhone: A list of phone numbers for support are available on the website.
    schoolTraining: Optum offers a training curriculum to help users get the most out of the software.
    local_offerTickets: Sign in to Optum online to submit help requests.
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Why We Picked WebPT

WebPT has made a significant impact on the physical therapy software landscape, offering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline workflows and enhance patient care. Users consistently highlight its user-friendly interface, robust features, and exceptional customer support as key strengths. One reviewer emphasized the ease of transitioning from paper-based systems to WebPT's cloud-based platform, appreciating its accessibility from any web-enabled device. The software's scheduling capabilities have also received praise, with users noting improvements in patient retention and the ability to synchronize appointments with digital patient records.

While WebPT garners positive feedback, some users mention the learning curve associated with its extensive features. However, the company's commitment to customer support is frequently commended, with users citing responsive and helpful assistance. WebPT distinguishes itself by catering specifically to the needs of rehabilitation therapists, offering specialized documentation, billing codes, and compliance tools. This focus on the therapy sector sets it apart from more generic practice management software. WebPT is ideally suited for physical therapy practices of all sizes seeking an integrated platform to optimize front- and back-office operations. Its comprehensive features, user-friendly design, and industry-specific focus make it a valuable asset for therapists looking to enhance efficiency, improve patient care, and grow their practices.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: All users mentioning this aspect noted that the solution’s ease-of-use is a key benefit.
  • Accessibility: The platform is web-based, making it highly accessible according to over 95% of users who mention this aspect.
  • Scheduling: About 75% of users who mention scheduling noted that it’s convenient to schedule appointments.
  • Speed: All users referring to speed reported that the product is slow and includes redundant check boxes, which further reduce the speed of working.
  • Functionality: The product is filled with glitches and the site is often down for maintenance, according to 88% of users who mention functionality.

Key Features

  • Analytics and Reporting: Access and work on detailed data tables from a main reporting dashboard. Use easy graphs and charts for valuable business insights. 
  • Interoperability: Facilitates a secure transfer of information between systems, enabling greater efficiency and data unity. Key integrations include Cerner, Epic, McKesson and athenahealth. Includes 24/7/365 monitoring from WebPT. 
  • Web-Based: Users can access the platform from any browser, anywhere. There’s no deployment costs or loss in productivity while the software is installing. 
  • Continuous Updates: Because the software is web-based, it frequently refreshes with new studies, formulas and testing criteria. 
  • Simplified Interface: Built around an intuitive workflow and offers features for a hassle-free experience such as dropdown checklists, auto-completing text boxes and much more. 
  • Home Exercise Program: Engage patients in video exercises with patient-facing functionality and design. Tap into a library of evidence-based therapy exercises available in up to eight different languages. 
  • Listing and Review Management: Improves online presence with a robust facility profile that provides automatic review updates, offers direct responses to reviews and analyses review trends. 
  • Billing: Maximize revenue and save time for quality healthcare with minimum claim errors using Therabill. Includes real-time analytics, detailed activity logs and one invoice from one company. 
  • Patient Outcomes Tracking: Drive faster recovery for patients with a built-in patient outcomes tracking system. Includes a library of industry-accepted tests for concrete performance goals and tracking therapists’ progress. 
  • Scheduling: Manage appointment calendars that sync with patient records and reduce no-shows by 30% by sending automatic reminders. Book remote appointments and launch live two-way video for virtual therapy using Virtual Visits. 
  • Revenue Cycle Management: Submit claims and expedite payments with high first-pass acceptance rate. Offers two RCM options: 
    • RevServe: Completely outsourced service. WebPT handles all billing responsibilities, including A/R management, reporting, collections benchmarking and medicare compliance. 
    • RevEquip: Hybrid model, allowing practices to control things like A/R management, credentialing, case management and more. WebPT offers management of outgoing claims, patient statement submissions, payment EDI management, workflow consultations and more. 
  • Patient Relationship Management: Increase engagement and reduce dropout rates by sending automated email campaigns to past patients and receiving actionable feedback indicating potential dropouts. 
  • Client Mobile App: Clients can access and manage their health data conveniently from a mobile app. 
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Why We Picked FollowMyHealth

FollowMyHealth receives mixed reviews from businesses, with praise for its streamlined communication and patient empowerment features, but criticism for limited customization and occasional technical glitches. Users appreciate the platform's ease of use for both patients and staff. One doctor commented, "FollowMyHealth has been a game-changer for our practice. Patients love being able to schedule appointments and refill prescriptions online, and it's saved us so much time on administrative tasks." However, some businesses find FollowMyHealth lacks flexibility. A clinic manager remarked, "The interface feels generic and doesn't allow us to customize it much to match our brand or cater to specific patient needs. Compared to [competitor product], which offers tailored modules for different specialties, FollowMyHealth feels a bit one-size-fits-all." Integration with existing EHR systems can also be challenging, leading to data silos and frustrated staff. "Setting up FollowMyHealth with our EHR was a nightmare," shared a medical assistant. "The data transfer wasn't seamless, and we still have to manually update some things in both systems, which is inefficient." Despite these drawbacks, many businesses recognize FollowMyHealth's potential for improved patient engagement, citing it as a step up from basic patient portals. As one nurse put it, "While it's not perfect, FollowMyHealth is definitely better than just sending appointment reminders by email. Patients are more proactive about their health now, and we can track their progress more easily." Ultimately, the decision to use FollowMyHealth depends on individual business needs and priorities. Those seeking a user-friendly platform for basic patient engagement may find it a good fit, while those requiring extensive customization or seamless EHR integration might need to explore other options.

Pros & Cons

  • Improved Patient-Provider Communication: Streamlines communication through secure messaging, appointment scheduling, and test results sharing.
  • Enhanced Patient Engagement: Empowers patients with self-service tools like appointment booking, medication reminders, and personalized health education.
  • Reduced Administrative Burden: Automates tasks like appointment reminders and prescription refills, freeing up staff time for patient care.
  • Increased Care Coordination: Facilitates collaboration between providers through shared care plans and secure patient data exchange.
  • Improved Clinical Outcomes: Promotes preventive care, medication adherence, and early disease detection through patient engagement tools.
  • Limited Customization: Interface lacks flexibility for branding and tailoring to specific patient populations.
  • Integration Challenges: Can be difficult to integrate with existing EHR systems, leading to data silos.
  • Technical Glitches: Users report occasional bugs and technical issues that disrupt workflow.
  • Cost Concerns: Subscription fees can be perceived as high for some healthcare organizations.
  • Limited Adoption by Patients: Not all patients are comfortable using technology, hindering platform adoption.

Key Features

  • Patient portal: A secure online platform for patients to access their medical records, communicate with providers, schedule appointments, and manage their health data.
  • Secure messaging: Patients can securely message their providers with questions and concerns, and receive timely responses.
  • Appointment scheduling: Patients can easily schedule and reschedule appointments online, 24/7.
  • Medication management: Patients can view their medication lists, refill prescriptions, and receive medication reminders.
  • Health tracking tools: Patients can track their health data, such as blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar levels, and share this information with their providers.
  • Telehealth integration: Patients can connect with providers for virtual visits through the FollowMyHealth platform.
  • Patient education resources: Patients can access a library of educational resources on a variety of health topics.
  • Customizable care plans: Providers can create personalized care plans for their patients, which can be accessed and tracked through the FollowMyHealth platform.
  • Population health management tools: Healthcare organizations can use FollowMyHealth to track and manage the health of their patient populations.
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Why We Picked Nextech

Nextech, a comprehensive practice management solution designed to streamline workflows for specialty practices, has elicited a range of feedback from users over the past year. While opinions on the platform's efficacy vary, several recurring themes emerge from user reviews, shedding light on its strengths, weaknesses, and ideal user base.

Nextech's robust features and customizability are frequently cited as major advantages. Users appreciate the platform's ability to adapt to the specific needs of different specialties, with tools for appointment scheduling, billing, and electronic health records (EHR) management. The platform's integration with other software systems is also highlighted as a strength, enabling seamless data exchange and reducing manual data entry. However, some users find the extensive customization options overwhelming, leading to a steep learning curve and implementation challenges.

Nextech's EHR functionality receives mixed reviews. Some users praise its comprehensive features, such as charting, e-prescribing, and patient portal access. Others express concerns about the EHR's user interface, citing issues with navigation and data entry. Additionally, while Nextech offers a mobile app, its functionality is limited compared to the desktop version, which can be inconvenient for users who require on-the-go access.

In comparison to similar products, Nextech stands out for its specialization in serving the needs of specialty practices. Its features and workflows are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by these practices, such as complex billing requirements and specialized clinical documentation. This focus on specialty practices differentiates Nextech from more generic practice management solutions.

Considering its strengths and weaknesses, Nextech appears best suited for larger specialty practices with dedicated IT resources and a willingness to invest time in implementation and training. The platform's extensive features and customizability can provide significant value to these practices, but may overwhelm smaller practices with limited resources.

Pros & Cons

  • Intuitive Interface: Users appreciate the clean and modern interface, finding it easy to navigate and locate desired features. The system's layout is logical and contributes to a smooth user experience.
  • Specialization for Ophthalmology: Nextech is specifically designed for ophthalmology practices, offering features and tools tailored to their unique workflows and needs. This specialization eliminates the need for extensive customization or workarounds, enhancing efficiency.
  • Comprehensive Functionality: The platform provides a wide range of features, including appointment scheduling, patient records management, e-prescribing, image management, and billing tools. This comprehensive suite of functionalities streamlines operations and reduces the need for multiple software systems.
  • Steep Learning Curve: The software's interface can be overwhelming for new users due to its complexity and lack of intuitive design, leading to a prolonged onboarding process and potential disruptions to workflow.
  • Customization Challenges: Tailoring the software to specific workflows or specialties can be difficult, as customization options are limited and often require advanced technical knowledge or assistance from Nextech support, potentially hindering efficiency and user satisfaction.
  • Integration Issues: Seamless integration with other healthcare systems or software can be problematic, leading to data silos and inefficiencies in information exchange, potentially impacting care coordination and patient management.
  • Reporting Limitations: Generating custom reports or extracting specific data for analysis can be cumbersome, as the reporting functionality may lack flexibility and user-friendliness, potentially hindering data-driven decision-making and performance tracking.

Key Features

  • Scheduling Capabilities: View and schedule all providers, procedure rooms, equipment or any combination of resources. Includes multi-provider, multi-location and multi-resource scheduling capabilities, along with limit or warning settings for multiple appointments. 
  • Appointment Tools: Move appointments by cutting and pasting, copying, or dragging and dropping. A first available appointment finder saves time. Automated text messages remind patients of their appointments, and responses automatically update the scheduler. 
  • Charting Capabilities: Quick charting with adaptive templates for different specialties simplify the process. Users can review charts, notes and refill prescriptions from anywhere. 
  • Billing: The revenue cycle management solution streamlines claims management, patient access, and denials and appeals. 
  • Patient Portal: Patients are able to make payments as well as view medical history and insurance information. 
  • Analytics: Access patient data such as demographics and practice performance trends to understand the overall health of the practice and maximize profitability. 
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Why We Picked TriZetto

TriZetto garners praise for its comprehensive suite of features that streamline medical billing processes, from patient registration and insurance verification to claim submission and payment processing. Users appreciate its ability to automate tasks, reducing manual effort and the potential for errors. The software's scalability makes it suitable for healthcare organizations of all sizes, accommodating the needs of both small practices and large enterprises. Additionally, TriZetto's analytics and insights empower healthcare professionals to make data-driven decisions, improving patient care and optimizing revenue cycles.

However, some users note that TriZetto's robust functionality comes at a cost, as it can be more expensive than some competing solutions. The software's complexity may also present a learning curve for new users, requiring additional training and support. Despite these drawbacks, TriZetto remains a popular choice for healthcare organizations seeking a comprehensive and scalable medical billing solution. Its ability to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and provide valuable insights makes it particularly well-suited for large organizations with complex billing needs.

Pros & Cons

  • Cost Savings: Electronic documentation decreases paperwork, enhances employee efficiency, and leads to reduced office supply and operational costs in the long term.
  • Patient Engagement: Patient portals empower individuals to access their health information, schedule appointments and communicate with healthcare providers.
  • Patient Safety: Features like medication alerts and allergy notifications help prevent errors and improve patient safety.
  • Learning Curve: Staff may require time and training to adapt to new technology, potentially affecting productivity during the transition phase.
  • Data Security Concerns: EHRs are vulnerable to data breaches and cybersecurity threats, requiring robust security measures and ongoing vigilance.

Key Features

  • Claims Processing: Automatically verify insurance and sweep claims, scrubbing them of any mistakes or coding errors, which often lead to denials or delayed reimbursement. This speeds up the process of submitting claims while helping improve first-time acceptance rates.  
  • Claims Reconciliation: Automate claims tracking throughout the reimbursement cycle. Monitor and convert EOB information into 835 remittance files to reduce errors and time spent reconciling claims. 
  • Rejection Prevention: Apply coding edits to insurance claims prior to submission. Receive error messages to identify rejections before they happen, reducing claims rejections. 
  • Eligibility Checks: Directly connect to insurance providers for real-time validation of patient eligibility. Integrate with practice management systems to seamlessly update patient insurance information. 
  • Patient Responsibility Estimation: Generate patient cost estimates in real time to improve client satisfaction and likelihood of payment. 
  • Prior Authorization: Automatically send prior authorization requests for treatment to patient insurance providers. Communicate with payers and track authorization requests within the provider portal. 
  • Patient Payments: Provide patients with a selection of payment options, including credit card processing, a payment portal and text-to-pay processing, to improve patient experiences. 
  • Denials Management: Receive claims denial notifications, along with causes and potential for appeal. Monitor error, edit and payer trends to reduce future denials. 
  • Contract Management: Audit payments against contractual agreements with payers. Automatically generate documents and track efforts to dispute underpaid obligations. 
  • RCM and Coding Services: Outsource revenue cycle management and coding processes, such as billing, patient statements, registration and insurance claims coding, to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks. 
  • Credentialing: Check and manage employee credentials against payer requirements to ensure maximum reimbursement. Store employee documentation to remain up-to-date on expired credentials. 
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Why We Picked Quickbase

Quickbase is a user-friendly platform suited to help businesses optimize project management with custom applications, workflow automation and data-driven insights. Its no-code structure and intuitive interfaces to develop applications and reports quickly, even with minimal coding experience, are often mentioned by users.

Users can centralize data from multiple sources and access advanced data insights on key project metrics to improve decision-making, save time and optimize resource allocation. Extensive customization options are another reviewer favorite, enabling users to build solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Integration with third-party applications adds to Quickbase's appeal by enhancing productivity and streamlining operations. Additionally, reviewers consistently highlight the abundance of training resources and documentation available, including guides, video courses and a supportive user community.

Despite high customization and ease-of-use, reviewers note a learning curve to optimize adoption and performance. Quickbase’s “reads”-based cost structures are also a barrier for smaller businesses with limited budgets.

Overall, Quickbase is an excellent option for businesses who require extensive customization to optimize their project management, offering ease-of-use with data accessibility and custom apps for task management.

Pros & Cons

  • Ease of Use: Use a no- or low-code structure to easily input and access data. Speed up application development and report creation with easy navigation and intuitive interfaces.
  • Workflow Automation: Streamline processes and task management using workflow emails, notifications and live data views through charts and graphs.
  • Customization: Build customized applications for unique business processes using AI, pre-built templates and no code software. Access custom portals for teams and clients, define personalized user roles and permissions and utilize dynamic dashboards.
  • Data Accessibility and Data Analysis: Eliminate date silos by consolidating information from multiple sources into a centralized view. Generate custom reports to visualize data intuitively, track key metrics, and identify trends and patterns.
  • Integration: Enhance productivity and streamline operations by integrating with third-party applications and using API access to build custom extensions.
  • Training Resources and Documentation: Access training resources and documentation in the form of guides, video courses, certifications, online help and a strong user community to help users learn the intricacies of the solution.
  • Learning Curve: New users may face a steep learning curve and adoption can be challenging for those unfamiliar with programming principles.
  • Cost: The pricing can be a barrier for some organizations, especially smaller ones or those with limited budgets.

Key Features

  • No-Code Builder: Create custom project management applications with minimal coding experience. Use AI, drag-and-drop tools and pre-built templates to design custom applications for your team's needs and workflows.
  • Integrations: Use pre-built integration channels to unify existing business systems, data sources and workflows with third-party tools. Eliminate manual data entry and ensure all project information is centralized and up-to-date using APIs to develop custom extensions.
  • Automated Workflows: Use automation features to streamline repetitive tasks and processes within your projects. Set up automated triggers and actions based on specific events, such as sending notifications when a task is completed or automatically generating reports when deadlines approach.
  • Dashboards: Use interactive dashboards to gain a real-time, centralized view of all your projects. View key project metrics, resource allocation, task statuses and overall progress to identify potential issues early on and make informed decisions to keep projects on track. Filter, group, modify and search dashboards to improve project analysis. Design highly personalized, role-based dashboards with simple drag-and-drop functionality.
  • Mobile Apps: Build and access mobile-ready applications, monitor projects securely and remotely, and view mobile dashboards.
  • Customizable Reporting: Create custom reports and dynamic dashboards tailored to your specific needs. Analyze project performance, identify trends and make data-driven decisions by intuitively visualizing project data using charts, graphs and tables.
  • Role-Based Security: Improve data security and access control with role-based permission to ensure only authorized personnel can view or modify sensitive project information. Define user roles and assign specific access levels to different team members based on their needs.
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Why We Picked AdvancedMD

AdvancedMD is an intuitive cloud-based tool. While some users were happy with the system’s integration and customization capabilities, far more users were extremely dissatisfied with other aspects of the system. There were mixed reviews on its reporting capabilities. A significant number of reviewers felt that the sales representatives misled customers noting that they lost money after implementing AdvancedMD and commenting that many features lacked the functionality that they required. Though the add-ons allow users to customize the system, many users complained that the add-ons come at a steep price, making them prohibitive to many users. Users also complained that they were surprised by hidden fees after implementation and felt that customer service was rude and unwilling to help when they called for support. A small number of reviews also noted that upgrades to the system frequently caused downtime and reported discrepancies in their billing that affected customers. While many of the reviews were negative, AdvancedMD remains a popular EHR solution. Due to its high price and difficulty to learn, it is best suited to large practices with the budget for necessary add-ons and internal technical support that is available to help ensure everyone who needs to can use the system.

Pros & Cons

  • Customization: Of the reviews that mentioned the system’s customization, more than 70% were happy with the customizations available as add-ons to the system.
  • Integration: Though only mentioned in 10% of reviews, 85% of those reviews felt the system successfully integrated with their other medical software.
  • User-Friendly: About 55% of users who mentioned its user-friendliness found it easy to use and navigate.
  • Implementation: The vendor does not offer sufficient implementation support, and the system has a steep learning curve, as noted by more than 80% of user reviews that discuss getting the system up and running.
  • Functionality: Though the system offers a robust list of features, 66% of reviews that discuss features felt that the features’ functionality was lacking in some aspects.
  • Price: Of the users who mention price in their review, more than 90% were upset with hidden fees and felt that the system’s high price was not worth the money.
  • Customer Support: Of the reviews that discuss customer service and support, 65% felt that customer support was difficult to contact, rarely had sufficient answers to their questions and often failed to resolve the issues users reported.
  • Performance: About 94% of reviewers that mentioned performance said that the system is slow and buggy, with recurring crashes and connectivity issues.

Key Features

  • Scheduling: Medical scheduling tools allow users to quickly view appointments and patient information by hovering their mouse over the calendar. Additionally, patient visits can be tracked, and recurring appointments can be set while automated patient reminders are sent out, reducing no-shows. 
  • Billing: In addition to collecting patient payments, it is able to verify insurance eligibility automatically while providing users with all the necessary medical billing information in one centralized location.  
  • Clearinghouse: Sweep claims of any coding errors to ensure an accurate claim submission. Any copays, deductibles and additional coverage can be automatically verified prior to a patient’s visit, while on-the-spot insurance checks are also efficient. 
  • Patient Portal: Patients can view lab results, pay bills, message their physicians and request office appointments online using its patient portal. Providers can use the portal to exchange messages with a patient, manage prescription renewal requests and send out alerts and notifications. 
  • E-Prescribing: Electronically prescribe medications — including controlled substances — quickly and easily. Connects facilities to a variety of pharmacies around the US, while users can request refills and access a patient’s medication history anywhere. It uses a combination of personal passphrases and secure tokens to complete DEA-required, two-factor authentication. The AdvancedEPCS system maintains a full DEA audit history. 
  • Telemedicine: Telemedicine features facilitate face-to-face conference conversations and secure transmissions of still images or high-resolution video conference screenshots, and stores them to patient files with HIPAA compliance. Schedule telemedicine appointments and view them in one dashboard calendar. 
  • Smart Dashboard: Automatically prioritize and manage frequent tasks using this role-based dashboard. In addition to health analytics, get alerted on any urgent issues, like abnormal lab results or pending prescriptions and drill down or up into tasks. 
  • Configurable Templates: It can be tailored to a variety of specialties, with note and sub-note templates designed by physicians to optimize workflow while fitting in with a facility’s pre-existing style. 
  • Physician-Oriented Dashboard: It enables physicians to view and schedule appointments, staff and patient messages, referral letters, test results and to-do lists in one location. The physician and their staff can respond to patient appointments or prescription renewal requests, reply to questions or send clinical reports. Its interoffice messaging center also allows physicians to send messages to the staff. 
  • Patient Communication Tools: Select which patients would receive either text or email by choosing from existing criteria or creating a new set. Segment patient lists and send specific messages to enhance patient engagement. It also supports sending sales promotions to patients. 
  • Patient Kiosk Mobile App: Complete intake and consent forms on an iPad. The information is automatically captured and passed to relevant staff to facilitate a faster check-in process for patients. 
  • Health Watcher: HealthWatcher offers auto-alerts and custom healthcare plans to enable patients to follow treatment plans. Its interoperable platform allows it to monitor and trend patient population health. It also allows building custom healthcare plans to manage specific conditions based on factors like age, sex, lab results and diagnosis. 

Pricing

License/Subscription Cost
  • Subscription fee is paid monthly based on the number of users
  • Offers standard plans and pre-configured pricing plans
Maintenance Cost
  • Cost is included with the subscription, covering ongoing upgrades and 24/7 customer support
Installation/Implementation Cost
  • Installation cost is included with the subscription fee
Customization Cost
  • Not included in the subscription cost
  • Cost varies depending on the type of custom service chosen
Data Migration Cost/Change Management/Upfront Switching Cost
  • Depends on the amount of data needed to be migrated as well as the complexity and accuracy of that data
Recurring/Renewal Costs
  • Recurring monthly fee is charged based on the subscription model selected
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Why We Picked DrChrono

So, I got the chance to get a free trial access to DrChrono, and here are the key highlights:

  • The platform stands out for its intuitive design, extensive features and customization capabilities.
  • The software is accessible on any device with internet connectivity.
  • Data import from other EHR systems is supported but with certain limitations.
  • It offers four pricing plans and a free trial is available for potential users.

It's a cloud-based system, which means you can access it from anywhere — your laptop, tablet, even your phone! And it covers everything from electronic health records and patient scheduling to billing and telehealth.

One of the things that really impressed us was how customizable it was. You can create your own templates for notes, forms and even entire workflows. This means you can really tailor it to fit your specific needs and preferences, which can save a ton of time.

And speaking of saving time, they've put a lot of thought into their billing features. They have tools to help you code things correctly, submit claims electronically and even track your payments. Anything that helps you get paid faster and with less hassle is a win, right?

However, learning to navigate the billing and insurance modules could take time. It’s a bit confusing to understand how the billing workflow works and how to set one up. Also, you can’t import billing data from your old EHR system.

If you're looking for a comprehensive, user-friendly system that can be customized to your practice, we'd definitely recommend taking a closer look.

They offer four different pricing plans, so you can find one that fits your budget, and they have a free trial so you can test it out and see if it's a good fit for you. It's always good to try before you buy, right?

We’ve discussed more about the features in the See It in Action section. Do check it out to know how the system works in different scenarios.

Pros & Cons

  • Ease of Use: Navigate patient charts, create shortcuts and access billing info without a steep learning curve.
  • Customization: Tailor the system to your specific needs and preferences like customizing templates, workflows and reports.
  • Easy Medical Coding: Find and assign ICD, CPT and HCPCS codes to patients' bills to save time and reduce coding errors.
  • Contractual Obligations: Canceling subscriptions can be challenging, potentially leading to early termination fees. Automatic renewals may also catch you off guard.
  • Subpar Customer Support: Long wait times, unhelpful responses and unresolved issues from customer representatives might disrupt your processes.
  • Occasional Glitches: System crashes, slow navigation and difficulties with scheduling and other functionalities can cause frustration.

Key Features

  • EHR: Provide better care with features like free draw for visual explanations, custom vitals tracking and access to immunization registries
    • Custom Templates: Tailor forms with specific fields, drop-down menus, checkboxes and even add your practice's logo. This ensures your documentation is consistent, efficient and specialized for your needs (e.g., cardiology forms with specific heart diagrams).
    • Electronic Prescriptions: Send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies directly from the patient chart. Access the drug's formulary tier, prior authorization requirements and alternative medications if the prescribed drug isn’t covered. Access patient PDMP data directly within the EHR to identify potential abuse, misuse or doctor shopping.
    • Free Draw: Upload images (x-rays, scans, photos) or use pre-loaded anatomical diagrams within the patient chart and draw directly on them.
    • Custom Vitals: Create vitals specific to your needs including things like blood glucose and oxygen saturation levels. Capture data in various formats: text, numbers or predefined options using dropdown lists. Access the flowsheet to visualize trends in custom vitals over time.
    • Prior Authorizations: Initiate the ePA request directly from the prescribing workflow. Automatically populate the prior authorization request form with relevant patient information (demographics, insurance details, medication prescribed) pulled from the patient's chart.
    • Lab Orders: Integrate with national, regional and specialty labs like Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp. Create predefined lab panels for common tests or specific conditions. For example, you could create a "lipid panel" or a "prenatal panel" with a single click. View lab results within the patient's chart, organized by date, test type and ordering provider.
    • Medical Speech-to-Text: Use voice to input clinical notes, patient histories and other information. See your spoken words appear as text in real time within the EHR to review and edit the transcription as you go.
    • Immunization Registries: Automatically send your patients' vaccination details to the state IIS, ensuring that records are up-to-date and complete. Retrieve immunization records from the IIS, even if your patient received vaccinations elsewhere to avoid unnecessary duplicate vaccinations and identify potential gaps in their immunization schedule.
  • Practice Management: Save time and reduce errors with appointment management tools, including appointment profiles, insurance eligibility checks, online scheduling and automated reminders.
    • Appointment Profiles: Instead of manually entering the same details (length, reason, etc.) for every appointment of the same type, you create a profile once and it auto-fills the details (duration, reason for visit, exam room and billing codes).
    • Eligibility Checks: Verify your patients’ insurance eligibility in real time — check what services are covered under the plan (e.g., office visits, labs, specialists) and any limitations or exclusions.
    • Online Scheduling: Set specific days and times when each provider is available for appointments. Offer different appointment types online (e.g., new patient, follow-up, consultation) with varying durations. Add buffer time between appointments to prevent scheduling conflicts and allow for patient check-in/check-out.
    • Patient Reminders: Send automated appointment reminders via email, text or SMS. Configure reminders to be sent at various intervals before the appointment like — a few days before, the day before or a few hours before.
  • Medical Billing: Improve your revenue cycle management with tools like billing profiles, medical coding and automated claims submission.
    • Billing Profiles: Combine frequently used CPT, HCPCS, custom codes and ICD-10 codes into a single profile. Attach common modifiers to the codes within the profile (e.g., modifier 25 for a significant, separately identifiable E/M service).
    • Medical Coding: Easily search and select the appropriate codes within the EHR using keywords, code numbers or descriptions. Perform basic code checking to identify potential errors such as invalid codes or missing modifiers.
    • Good Faith Estimates: Generate good faith estimates to help patients understand costs upfront and avoid surprise bills.
    • Claims Submission: Submit electronic claims to insurance companies within the system. Track claim statuses in real time. Scrub claims for errors like missing information or formatting mistakes before submitting them to payers to avoid denials and claim rejections.
    • Denial Resolution: Generate denial analysis reports to identify denial patterns. Edit and submit corrected claims directly within the system. If you disagree with a denial, generate appeal letters and track their statuses.
    • Patient Statements: Generate statements for individual patients or groups of patients based on various criteria (e.g., date range, insurance status, outstanding balance).
  • BI Tools: Get a visual summary of key metrics and performance indicators. Generate customizable reports to:
    • Track revenue, expenses and profitability
    • Analyze claim submission, acceptance, denial and reimbursement rates.
    • Track patient demographics, appointment history and billing information.
    • Analyze appointment scheduling and no-show rates.
  • Mobile Capabilities: Schedule appointments, send patient statements, bill insurance, document patient encounters, access lab results and more from iOS devices like iPad, iPhone and Mac.
  • Telehealth: Patients can join the telehealth visit from their computer, tablet or smartphone using the link provided in their email reminder. Providers can share their screens with patients to review medical records, lab results, X-rays or educational materials.
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$40
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Why We Picked TherapyNotes

Stepping into the bustling world of mental health practice management software, TherapyNotes emerges as a prominent contender, lauded for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. Feedback from users over the past year paints a picture of a platform that streamlines administrative tasks, allowing practitioners to dedicate more time and energy to their clients. The software's scheduling tools, billing features, and secure communication channels have received consistent praise for their ease of use and effectiveness in optimizing workflows.

While TherapyNotes shines in its core functionalities, some users have noted the absence of a reporting dashboard and limited third-party integrations as areas for potential improvement. However, the software's strengths in facilitating efficient scheduling, secure client communication, and streamlined billing processes appear to outweigh these limitations for many users. The platform's emphasis on ease of use and affordability further distinguishes it from competitors, making it an attractive option for solo practitioners and small to medium-sized practices seeking a comprehensive yet cost-effective solution.

TherapyNotes appears to be an ideal fit for mental health professionals who prioritize a user-friendly experience and value a robust set of features that address the essential aspects of practice management. Its intuitive design and focus on core functionalities make it particularly well-suited for those who prefer a streamlined approach to managing their practice, allowing them to focus on what matters most—providing quality care to their clients.

Pros & Cons

  • Streamlined Notes: The platform offers multiple note templates, which can be customized to fit individual workflows and preferences. This feature can save clinicians time and effort when documenting sessions.
  • Integrated Billing: TherapyNotes includes features for managing billing tasks, such as generating invoices and processing payments. This can simplify the billing process for mental health professionals.
  • Appointment Scheduling: Users can manage their schedules and appointments directly within the platform. Clients can also request appointments online, which can streamline the scheduling process.
  • Client Portal: TherapyNotes provides a secure client portal where clients can access their records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their therapists. This can improve communication and engagement between therapists and clients.
  • Telehealth Capabilities: The platform offers telehealth features, allowing therapists to conduct virtual sessions with clients. This can be a convenient option for clients who are unable to attend in-person appointments.
  • Limited Customization: Users have expressed frustration with the lack of flexibility in tailoring the platform to their specific workflows and preferences. For example, customizing intake forms or treatment plans to align with unique practice needs can be challenging.
  • Billing Challenges: Several users have reported encountering difficulties and a learning curve associated with the billing features, particularly electronic claim submission and managing insurance reimbursements.
  • Customer Support Concerns: Some users have shared feedback regarding occasional delays or challenges in obtaining timely and effective assistance from TherapyNotes customer support, especially during peak hours or with complex technical issues.

Key Features

  • Calendar: Schedule one-time or recurring appointments, access appointment-related notes and send automated reminders to patients. Organize the calendar according to clinicians, specific clients or certain practice locations. Offers a personal to-do list with treatment plans, notes, administrative documents and more. 
  • Electronic Records: Enables quick documentation and notes with speech-to-text software, built-in templates and searchable diagnosis codes. Also gives physicians immediate access to patient records and notes. 
  • Billing: Handles every step of the billing process, including insurance eligibility verification, claim submission and payments. Claims can be automatically swept of any mistakes or coding errors. Supports generating superbills with all necessary information for prompt reimbursement. 
  • Credit Card Processing: Deposit funds automatically to a bank account with the integrated payment processing system. Keeps cards on file for any missed appointment fees or future transactions. 
  • Client Portal: Patients can manage appointments themselves using TherapyPortal on their mobile device. Physicians can communicate with their clients remotely by exchanging messages, video chatting, adding notes and more. Includes configuration of color scheme, logo and welcome message. 
  • Telehealth: Physicians can meet clients online for convenient video sessions. Sessions are encrypted and integrated into TherapyNotes and the patient portal. 
  • Scheduling: Schedule appointments and manage tasks on the to-do list for higher efficiency by connecting the to-do list to records, notes and billing. With quick appointment scheduling, it also allows customization of the calendar view and mobile calendar sync. 
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Why We Picked CareCloud Central

CareCloud Central has garnered a mixed bag of user reviews over the past year. Many users appreciate its clean and modern interface, finding it intuitive and easy to navigate compared to more cluttered competitors like athenahealth. The platform's scheduling tools are also frequently praised for their flexibility and ease of use, allowing for efficient appointment management and reducing scheduling errors. However, several users have expressed frustration with the system's reporting capabilities, finding them to be somewhat limited and lacking in customization options compared to more robust solutions like AdvancedMD. Additionally, while CareCloud Central offers a mobile app, some users find its functionality to be restricted compared to the full desktop version, hindering on-the-go productivity.

One of CareCloud Central's key strengths lies in its integrated approach, combining practice management, electronic health records (EHR), and patient engagement tools into a single platform. This streamlines workflows and reduces the need for multiple software solutions, which can be a significant advantage for smaller practices seeking an all-in-one solution. However, this integration can also be a double-edged sword, as some users find that certain features, such as billing and claims management, are not as comprehensive or customizable as standalone solutions like Kareo. Ultimately, CareCloud Central appears to be best suited for small to medium-sized practices that prioritize ease of use, a modern interface, and integrated functionality over extensive reporting capabilities and highly customizable features.

Pros & Cons

  • Streamlined Patient Scheduling: CareCloud Central receives consistent praise for its intuitive appointment scheduling system. Users appreciate the ability to easily view physician schedules, manage appointments, and send automated reminders, which reduces no-shows and keeps things running smoothly.
  • Efficient Billing and Claims Management: The platform simplifies the billing process by automating tasks such as claims scrubbing and submission. This leads to faster reimbursements and fewer denied claims, ultimately improving a practice's financial health.
  • Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics: CareCloud Central offers robust reporting tools that provide valuable insights into practice performance. Users can track key metrics, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize operations and profitability.
  • Enhanced Patient Engagement: The platform facilitates better communication with patients through features like a patient portal and secure messaging. This empowers patients to actively participate in their care and fosters stronger relationships with providers.
  • Steep Learning Curve: Many users report that CareCloud Central is not intuitive and requires extensive training to navigate effectively. The interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming, leading to frustration and decreased efficiency for new users.
  • Billing Challenges: Several practices have experienced issues with claim denials and delays in payment processing. Users cite difficulties with claim scrubbing and a lack of transparency in the billing process, making it hard to identify and resolve issues promptly.
  • Customer Support Concerns: Getting timely and effective assistance from CareCloud's customer support team has been a recurring pain point for users. Long wait times and a perceived lack of expertise among support staff can exacerbate existing problems and hinder issue resolution.
  • Limited Customization: Practices with unique workflows or specialized needs may find CareCloud Central's customization options to be insufficient. The software's rigidity can force practices to adapt their processes to the software, rather than the other way around.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive Scheduling: Manage scheduling with a multi-view calendar and drag-and-drop online appointment scheduling. Patients can easily book and confirm appointments. Automated patient reminders reduce no-shows. 
  • Insurance Verification: Access a patient’s insurance details, such as deductibles, copays and coinsurance, to prevent denials and get paid quicker. 
  • Patient Management: View and update patient demographics, insurance details and account histories in real time. Physicians get a clear picture of all patients in one place. 
  • Financial Workflow:
    •  Automate financial tasks such as billing, claim submission and remittance. 
    •  Simplify coding and charge entries. 
    •  Scrub claims any errors that may result in denials or delayed payments. 
    •  Track payments with a central remittance repository. 
  • Command Center: Keep track of practice performance with a practice scorecard. See trending metrics and causes over time with instant snapshots of operational and financial data. 
  • Health Analytics: Provides insightful analytics on financial, administrative and clinical performance to support informed decisions. View staff productivity levels to ensure everyone is meeting Meaningful Use standards. 
  • Real-Time Reporting: Customizable charts and graphs display data in easy-to-understand templates, and financial and clinical reports can be accessed conveniently. 

Pricing

License/Subscription Cost
Subscription fee is based on a per user, per month rate, including an upfront cost for customization and support services
Automatic software upgrades are included with the subscription fee
Maintenance Cost
Cost is included in the subscription fee
Installation/Implementation Cost
Set-up fees are included with the subscription cost
Customization Cost
Provides customizable plans with lowered prices for multiple users
Data Migration Cost/Change Management/Upfront Switching Cost
Cost will vary depending on the amount of data needed to be migrated as well as that data’s complexity
Recurring/Renewal Costs
Included with the subscription fee, month-to-month

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All Radiology Information Systems (48 found)

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Buyer's Guide

Radiology Information Systems Are All About Managing Medical Images Activity 

Radiology Information Systems BG Intro

Radiology information systems (RIS) manage medical imagery and the data associated with it. Radiology departments in hospitals use them to schedule appointments, deliver images and access reports. They further reduce data entry errors and enable more accurate diagnoses. A RIS takes the heavy lifting of medical billing off medical staff’s shoulders and allows them to focus on care delivery. This helps staff members focus more time on the patients’ needs, which makes their experience better. RIS helps hospital and lab staff organize and sort large amounts of patient reports categorically in a centralized location accessible to all. 

Purchasing RIS software is no easy feat. It is a decision that can make or break your hard-earned customer base and clinic. Therefore, you have to be extra cautious throughout the entire software purchase process. It is essential to plan for all the contingencies throughout the process. This buyer’s guide aims to answer questions that might come up during the journey. That said, let’s get on with it.

Executive Summary

  • Radiology information systems help in managing medical imagery and the data associated with it.
  • They help clinics move away from paper-based processes to digital workflows.
  • Radiology information systems are useful for tracking medical imaging orders and billing information.

What This Guide Covers:

What Is a Radiology Information System?

Radiology information systems are designed specifically for radiology centers and radiology departments in hospitals. They manage medical imaging and replace paper-based traditional systems with automated workflows, making practices more efficient. From appointment scheduling to sorting reports and delivery, RIS plays a key part in streamlining clinical workflows and maintaining administrative functions. Further, they automate most of the health care facility’s processes, including billing, patient scheduling, creating and managing patient records, and more.

You can either make the decision to implement a standalone RIS or a complete RIS/PACS depending on your unique needs and environment. They help you manage clinical and administrative data and automate workflows by collecting patient information, monitoring examination performance, tracking images and more. They are useful for tracking radiology imaging orders and billing information.

Primary Benefits

Benefits of Radiology Information Systems

It takes time and perseverance to run a successful radiology practice. Most practices still rely on obsolete traditional paper-based systems that take a good amount of time to organize work. Today, practices seek updated software to reduce organization time and effort to provide a better experience for customers. And we know you’re one of them. Before purchasing a radiology information system, you need to know the benefits it will bring. Let’s get on with it.

Improves Efficiency

A well-organized radiology system will optimize the patient registration process and related workflows. It will help free up time for staff to enable them to attend to more pressing emergencies. In addition, it automates paper-based processes and eliminates paper folders, hardcopy images and manual methods of tracking data. The RIS platform makes scheduling easier as well. It automates appointment scheduling, making it easier for the staff to just glance at a monitor and see the available slots. In a way, this improves patient satisfaction and, therefore, has a positive effect on the bottom line.

Increases Patient Coordination

The key to success in the medical industry is providing an optimal experience to patients. To that end, radiology systems assist medical practitioners in better coordinating with patients. With digitized records, doctors can easily pull out a patient’s report and make decisions to provide better care. Further, patients can stay on top of their medical care by receiving reports directly.

Enables Uniformity

A radiology information system connects your practice with other rehabilitation centers and radiological labs. It enables a seamless exchange of patient information and files across locations. The system enables you to ensure that all tasks are properly completed without delay.

Enhances Patient Care

With automated workflows all around, the staff has a lot more time to focus on patients’ needs. In addition, patients experience a streamlined process to access their test images and schedule appointments. Having a radiology information system also enables automated reporting and increases the rate of correct diagnoses.

Key Features & Functionality

Patient Scheduling

Maximize the team’s care and productivity to attract more revenue-generating patients quickly. Automate tedious processes such as appointment booking, follow-ups, text messages and phone calls. This will reduce appointment wait times and make the clinical experience of patients better. Leverage the software to provide multi-specialty support and other assistance.

Medical Billing

Submit claims and create patient payables automatically to spare staff some time. With time freeing up, allocate them to more pressing matters like caregiving. Leverage billing options to monitor invoices and stay on top of cash flow and payments received and sent to third parties.

HL7 Interface

Leverage the interface framework to communicate with other health care organizations and send and receive patient information. Enables seamless data transfer by integrating with electronic medical records systems (EMRs), picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and hospital information systems (HIS). Transfer patients’ order entries, test results and clinical information seamlessly.

Patient Tracking

Track a patient's entire radiology history including past admissions and discharges to ensure quick care decisions. Doctors can also stay updated with past medications and present conditions of the patient through easily accessible test results. This accelerates the entire care delivery process and makes treatment seamless and well-coordinated.

Dashboard and Reports

Access reports on various business administrative processes including exam requests, administrative workflows and clinician productivity. Leverage interactive dashboards to analyze trends and extract actionable insights from them. Improve business processes to attract more customers and increase your bottom line. Analyze department metrics and fill the gaps to provide more comprehensive care.

Image Tracking

Track images and individual films associated with them to acquire additional information about a patient. With EMR and PACS adopted worldwide, digitized versions of photos and medical files have become accessible as they are stored in a centralized location.

Dictation

Leverage in-app voice recognition integrations to allow doctors to cut down time on writing prescriptions. They can use the microphone to dictate commands and directions, saving precious time. This makes writing down patient reports and prescriptions take less time than usual.

Express Result Delivery

Send electronic reports directly to patients quickly. Patients can also choose to send reports directly to physicians. Reduce time taken for report delivery and improve the overall patient experience. Systems with patient portals are also capable of sending reports.

Software Comparison Strategy

When it comes to software comparison, you need a well-planned strategy to get the best software for your practice. Today, there are a lot of options available on the market which makes it difficult for buyers to pinpoint the particular application best suited for their clinics’ needs. While purchasing software you should make some considerations; they are as follows:

The first and foremost consideration you need to make is how big is your organization? Each organization has specific requirements and usually, there are different versions of an application to fit the needs. If it’s a startup or a small-sized practice, chances are fewer users need to access the system, which can affect pricing considerably. Similarly, a medium or large-sized practice will need a system with higher capacity.

The second consideration you need to make is how the software will integrate with your current infrastructure. You need to keep in mind that the new system should integrate smoothly into the current workflows and optimize them. For that, it has to be compatible with the existing software in your practice as overhauling the entire infrastructure will put a dent in your pocket.

Furthermore, you need to take care of the budget allocated for the software. You do not need a hole in your pocket after the purchase. Software prices vary like candies at a shop. Different flavors, sizes and tastes will have different prices. Similarly, version, capacity and hardware will determine a software’s cost.

Cost & Pricing Considerations

According to Grand View Research’s Market Analysis Report, “The global radiology information system market size was valued at USD 637.9 million in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.7% over the forecast period.”

Radiology Information Systems Market Growth

The software market is on the rise, thanks to the influx of new vendors with their unique offerings. There are a myriad of options available when it comes to RIS products today. In this situation, you need to conduct detailed planning to get your hands on the perfect solution for the clinic. You might consider a couple of things as follows.

Required Features

First things first, scope your facility minutely and pinpoint all the gaps that the new application needs to address. Once you pen down all the requirements, you can move to the vendor catalogs and start shortlisting the software matching your budget and requirements. Post this, you need to decide if you want to go for cloud-based or on-premise software.

Budget

It’s needless to say that budget consideration is one of the most important aspects of a software purchase journey. Purchasing software is not a daily or monthly affair, so you need to get your hands on an application that is a long-term fix. Plan for all the contingencies that can come up and prepare a detailed budget and strategy to bring home the perfect software to boost the practice.

The Most Popular Radiology Information Systems

Now that we have given you a clear picture of the features and benefits of radiology information systems, it’s time to look for the most popular software in this category that is creating a buzz on the market. After meticulous research, we’ve put together a list of the most popular radiology information systems on the market. Let’s get down to it.

Optum

With features like scheduling, prescribing and billing, Optum aims to provide a comprehensive view of the care process to patients. Leveraging local medical groups and ambulatory care systems, it provides access to care to patients worldwide, directly. Driven by innovation at the core, the software compiles medical delivery, reporting technology and services with an elaborate database and expertise to accelerate care delivery while increasing the quality of care.

Optum

Optum’s patient vitals feature.

WebPT

WebPT has more than 43,000 rehabilitation professionals in its user portfolio as a result of its dynamic services. A web-based physical therapy EMR solution, WebPT takes care of the business side of things with its outpatient therapy tools, attracting more customers. It helps the clinic keep track of patient medical records, store information and share important documentation.

WebPT

PracticeEHR’s appointment scheduling feature.

athenahealth

athenahealth is a cloud-based clinical and financial solution that caters to health care practices and organizations of all sizes. Its features include medical billing, patient engagement, telehealth capabilities and EHR. Clinicians can control costs and maximize productivity by leveraging the most adaptable, network-enabled suite of services.

WebPT

athenahealth’s patient assessment feature.

 

 

Questions to Ask

Now that you have considered your budget and the selection choices you need to make, let’s move forward to internal questions. Scoping your current infrastructure is paramount in order to pinpoint existing gaps that need to be addressed. That said, start with asking yourself the following questions to determine the features you need in the new software to make the clinic more efficient.

  • Will the new software integrate seamlessly with my existing systems?
  • Do I have the required budget to purchase the software I need?
  • What are the issues at the facility that need addressing?
  • Do I own a small, medium or large-sized organization?
  • How many of my employees will require access to the software at a time?

Radiology Information Key Questions

It is essential that the vendor remains active in your hour of need. And it is also important to ask the vendor important questions to clear your doubts. Make a list of questions you need insight on. You can start with these.

  • Is your service team online 24/7?
  • Do you provide training classes to educate my staff about the software?
  • Does the software have all the capabilities that I need to streamline my workflows?
  • What are the features and functionalities of the software?
  • Do you have any prior experience of serving other providers in my niche?

In Conclusion

Purchasing software can be a daunting task. A radiology information system will not only simplify the management of patients’ radiology images but also provide billing features working in conjunction with PACS and VNs. All this requires serious consideration on your part as you need software for a long time. We are aware how daunting a software journey can be. For that matter, we have penned down this buyer’s guide to lead you through the treacherous waters of software selection and purchase.

About The Contributors

The following expert team members are responsible for creating, reviewing, and fact checking the accuracy of this content.

Technical Content Writer
As a technical writer and market analyst at SelectHub, Samikshan creates content for construction takeoff, medical EMR, EHR and ambulatory niches. He is a bibliophile and an ardent football fan with an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Outside business hours, one can find him on the football pitch or in his room, listening to metal music and patting his cat, Newton.
Edited By Ryan McElroy
Content Editor
Ryan McElroy is a Content Editor and Senior Market Analyst at SelectHub who writes and edits content on various software types, along with their broader concepts and the industries they serve, including medical, construction, CMMS, supply chain management and legal. He studied at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) and earned his BA in Journalism in 2016. During his free time, you’ll find Ryan playing video/card/board games, sipping coffee and reading speculative fiction, or listening to music his loved ones often describe as “headache-inducing.”