---
title: "Best Radiology Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing"
description: "Find the best Radiology Information Systems for your organization. Compare top Radiology Information Systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos."
source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/radiology-information-systems-comparison/"
page_type: "subcategory"
language: "en"
---

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Radiology Software

Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee.

# Best Radiology Software of 2026

Updated November 12, 2026

## Radiology FAQs

Software Advice advisors had 10 conversations with buyers about Radiology software between January 2025 and November 2025. These are the questions that came up most.

-   How do I choose the right Radiology software for my business?
    
    Choosing the right radiology software means checking whether it supports image viewing, patient record management, and integration with other hospital systems, as these are must-haves buyers consistently discuss during advisor calls. Many buyers also weigh how well the software coordinates with referring physicians and centralizes their workflow. Price is a key factor, with most options falling between $375 and $1,300 per month. Since deployment preferences are not always clear in advisor calls, teams should confirm if the software matches their technical requirements before committing.
    
-   What should businesses watch out for when choosing Radiology software?
    
    Most buyers researching radiology software are small businesses in the hospital and health care industry, according to what buyers frequently tell our advisors. Deployment type is rarely specified in these calls, so teams should clarify whether a tool can match their preferred setup before making a decision.
    
-   How much does Radiology software cost?
    
    Radiology software is most often quoted as a flat monthly price, and when speaking with our advisors, buyers typically see costs ranging from $375 to $1,300 per month. The median price mentioned in these calls lands near $500 per month for a system.
    
    Answer based on 7 advisor calls
    
-   What is Radiology software and what does it do?
    
    Radiology software helps medical teams view images, manage patient details, and share information across departments. Advisor-call conversations show that buyers use it for analyzing scans, storing patient records, and connecting with other hospital systems to speed up communication and reduce errors. Many buyers also look for tools that let them coordinate with referring physicians and centralize their workflow.
    

Talk with us for a free 15-min consultation

Expert advisors like Jacqueline, who have helped 1,000+ practices, can find the right software for your needs.

On this page

1.  Popular Comparisons
2.  Buyers Guide
3.  Frequently Asked Questions
4.  Related Software

Filter products

53 results

### Compare Products

Showing 1 - 25 of 53 products

#### Company Size

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-   2-10
    
-   11-50
    
-   51-200
    
-   201-500
    
-   501-1000
    
-   1000+
    

#### Pricing Options

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### Compare Products

Sort by

**Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals.  
  
**Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least.  
  
**Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest.  
  
**Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z.

### [RXNT](/medical/rxnt-emr-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.3/5
- Reviews: 514
- Starting price: $32.00/month
- Best for: Small businesses
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Available

#### Overview

RXNT is an ambulatory healthcare technology company that empowers medical practices, multi-location groups, and enterprise multi-specialty organizations to scale with confidence

[Read more](/medical/rxnt-emr-profile/)

##### What users love

- Simple setup and daily operation
- Streamlined electronic prescribing workflow
- Intuitive and user-friendly design

##### To take in mind

- Limited and unresponsive support experience
- Cumbersome patient data handling
- Prescription processing and pharmacy issues

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Online Forms: 5/5
- Therapy Notes: 5/5
- Search/Filter: 5/5
- SMS Reminders: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/rxnt-emr-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Scheduling

- Price: $32.00/month
- Manage patient appointments and office resources.

##### Electronic Health Records

- Price: $126.00/month
- Real-time access to custom charts and reports, lab test requests and review, and patient portal.

##### Practice Management

- Price: $213.00/month
- Streamline billing, reduce denials and rejections, and get reimbursed faster. Includes medical

[See full pricing details](/medical/rxnt-emr-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [AdvancedEHR](/product/1018-AdvancedEHR/)

- Overall rating: 3.6/5
- Reviews: 467
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

The AdvancedMD EHR Software offers a comprehensive Electronic Medical Record (EMR) service designed to streamline and optimize various aspects of medical practice management. It

[Read more](/product/1018-AdvancedEHR/)

##### What users love

- Simple learning and daily use
- Intuitive and user-friendly design

##### To take in mind

- Complex and inefficient billing processes
- Slow and unhelpful customer service
- Insufficient and confusing training

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Workflow Management: 5/5
- Initial Assessments: 5/5
- Vitals Tracking: 5/5
- Patient Intake: 5/5

[See all features](/product/1018-AdvancedEHR/#key-features)

---

### [CharmHealth](/medical/charmehr-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.2/5
- Reviews: 153
- Starting price: $25.00/month
- Best for: Value for money
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

CharmHealth is a comprehensive suite of healthcare solutions designed to streamline practice management, revenue cycle management, patient engagement, and telehealth services. The

[Read more](/medical/charmehr-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Meaningful Use Certified: 5/5
- Multi-Provider Practice: 5/5
- Invoice History: 5/5
- Admissions Management: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/charmehr-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Compulink](/medical/compulinkhealthcare-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.1/5
- Reviews: 282
- Best for: Customer support
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Compulink Healthcare Solutions is a practice management platform offering electronic health records, billing, patient engagement and operational tools for medical practices. It

[Read more](/medical/compulinkhealthcare-profile/)

##### What users love

- Responsive and knowledgeable assistance
- Tailored workflows and flexibility
- Comprehensive and versatile functionality

##### To take in mind

- Disruptive and problematic updates

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Physician Scheduling: 5/5
- Patient Records Management: 5/5
- Medication Management: 5/5
- EMR/EHR: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- ONC-ATCB Certified: 3/5
- Handwriting Recognition: 3/5
- Compliance Tracking: 3/5

[See all features](/medical/compulinkhealthcare-profile/#key-features)

---

### [PatientNow](/medical/patientnow-profile/)

- Overall rating: 3.9/5
- Reviews: 302
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

PatientNow is an EMR practice management software designed for aesthetic and wellness providers. It supports various specialties, such as med spas, plastic surgery clinics, weight

[Read more](/medical/patientnow-profile/)

##### What users love

- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Supportive onboarding and training resources
- Streamlined appointment management tools

##### To take in mind

- Slow and unresponsive customer assistance
- Complex and glitchy patient workflows
- Inefficient and costly practice operations

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Social Media Integration: 5/5
- Electronic Signature: 5/5
- Immunization & Allergy Tracking: 5/5
- Communication Management: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/patientnow-profile/#key-features)

---

### [NextGen Enterprise](/medical/nextgen-enterprise-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.2/5
- Reviews: 38
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

NextGen Healthcare provides ambulatory practices of all sizes award-winning solutions along with dedicated support and professional services. We align with your goals to achieve

[Read more](/medical/nextgen-enterprise-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- API: 5/5
- Confirmations/Reminders: 5/5
- Patient Portal: 5/5
- Practice Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Imaging and X-rays: 2/5
- Reporting/Analytics: 2.5/5

[See all features](/medical/nextgen-enterprise-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Ascend by Dentrix](/dental/dentrix-ascend-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.1/5
- Reviews: 235
- Best for: Customer support
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Ascend by Dentrix is a cloud practice management platform built to help dental practices and organizations grow without adding complexity. It brings clinical, financial, patient,

[Read more](/dental/dentrix-ascend-profile/)

##### What users love

- User-friendly and intuitive interface
- Quick learning and onboarding process
- Responsive and helpful support team

##### To take in mind

- Complex and unreliable reporting tools

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Periodontal Charting: 5/5
- Patient Management: 5/5
- Task Management: 5/5
- Billing & Invoicing: 5/5

[See all features](/dental/dentrix-ascend-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Advanced Data Systems](/medical/advanced-data-systems-medicspremier-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Reviews: 117
- Starting price: $350.00one time
- Best for: HIPAA Compliant
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Advanced Data Systems provides healthcare software designed to streamline clinical and administrative workflows for various medical organizations. The software suite supports

[Read more](/medical/advanced-data-systems-medicspremier-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Physician Management: 5/5
- Charting: 5/5
- Calendar Management: 5/5
- Reminders: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/advanced-data-systems-medicspremier-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Acuity Scheduling](/medical/acuity-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Reviews: 5,775
- Starting price: $20.00/month
- Best for: Small businesses
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Acuity Scheduling is online appointment software that helps service-based businesses take control of their calendar. It works like a personal assistant that runs 24/7 behind the

[Read more](/medical/acuity-profile/)

##### What users love

- Flexible appointment management tools
- Intuitive and user-friendly design
- Robust calendar syncing options

##### To take in mind

- Confusing and costly pricing tiers
- Restricted payment integration choices
- Limited and slow email support

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- For Yoga/Pilates Studios: 5/5
- Online Registration: 5/5
- Real-Time Notifications: 5/5
- Forms Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- SOAP notes: 2/5
- Fitness Plan: 3.3/5

[See all features](/medical/acuity-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Starter

- Price: $20.00/month

##### Standard

- Price: $34.00/month

##### Premium

- Price: $61.00/month

[See full pricing details](/medical/acuity-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [ProtonPACS](/medical-imaging/protonpacs-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.9/5
- Reviews: 18
- Starting price: $2.00
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

ProtonPACS is a picture archiving and communication solution that helps medical facilities manage image access, storage and distribution, optimizing workflow across the

[Read more](/medical-imaging/protonpacs-profile/)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: $2.00

[See full pricing details](/medical-imaging/protonpacs-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [AbbaDox](/medical/abbadox-rad-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.7/5
- Reviews: 31
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

AbbaDox is healthcare software provider specializing in radiology workflow solutions.

OUR MISSION: Help imaging centers optimize their operations throughout the entire patient

[Read more](/medical/abbadox-rad-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Audit Trail: 5/5
- Scanning Input: 5/5
- Communication Management: 5/5
- Mobile Access: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Self Service Portal: 3/5
- Activity Tracking: 3/5
- Facility Scheduling: 3.5/5

[See all features](/medical/abbadox-rad-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Mercury Medical](/product/2544-Mercury-One/)

- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Reviews: 16
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Mercury Medical, by CrisSoft, is a practice management solution suitable for a variety of specialties and practices offered on SaaS or On-Site.


Mercury Medical enables users

[Read more](/product/2544-Mercury-One/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Charting: 5/5
- Code & Charge Entry: 5/5
- Billing & Invoicing: 5/5
- Practice Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Appointment Management: 4/5

[See all features](/product/2544-Mercury-One/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: Custom
- Pricing available upon request

[See full pricing details](/product/2544-Mercury-One/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [PtEverywhere](/medical/pteverywhere-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Reviews: 16
- Starting price: $49.00/month
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

PtEverywhere is an all-in-one EMR+ practice management platform built for modern cash-pay and hybrid rehab therapy clinics. Designed for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and

[Read more](/medical/pteverywhere-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Customizable Branding: 5/5
- Workflow Management: 5/5
- Template Management: 5/5
- Real-time Scheduling: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Insurance Management: 2/5
- Customizable Templates: 3/5
- Claims Management: 3/5
- Third-Party Integrations: 3/5

[See all features](/medical/pteverywhere-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Medicai](/patient-case-management/medicai-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.9/5
- Reviews: 14
- Starting price: $149.00/month
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Medicai is a cloud-based medical imaging platform serving radiology centers, hospitals, specialty clinics, and teleradiology providers of all sizes. The software allows medical

[Read more](/patient-case-management/medicai-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Single Sign On: 5/5
- Image Library: 5/5
- Surveys & Feedback: 5/5
- Comparison View: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Compliance Management: 3/5
- Case Notes: 4/5

[See all features](/patient-case-management/medicai-profile/#key-features)

#### Pricing

##### Starter

- Price: $149.00/month
- The essential features for small healthcare providers

##### Standard

- Price: $499.00/month
- Great for healthcare providers with one location and one or more imaging modalities.

##### Enterprise

- Price: Custom
- Pricing available upon request
- Providers looking to leverage technologies like cloud, APIs, LLMs to provide top medical services.

[See full pricing details](/patient-case-management/medicai-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [Q/ris 3000 Workflow](/medical-imaging/q-ris-3000-workflow-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.8/5
- Reviews: 6
- Starting price: $10,000.00one time
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

The most powerfully configurable, free-standing Radiology Workflow in the industry.  Full RIS functionality, radiology dictation with reporting, plus over 50+ proprietary

[Read more](/medical-imaging/q-ris-3000-workflow-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Workflow Management: 5/5
- Single Sign On: 5/5
- PACS Integration: 5/5
- Diagnostic Tools: 5/5

[See all features](/medical-imaging/q-ris-3000-workflow-profile/#key-features)

---

### [RADIOLens](/medical/radiolens-profile/)

- Overall rating: 5/5
- Reviews: 3
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

RADIOlens is a PACS radiology solution that enables clinical collaboration, provides workflow efficiency, and enables well-informed decision-making.

Higher Efficiency 
• Instant

[Read more](/medical/radiolens-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Document Management: 5/5
- Customizable Reports: 5/5
- HIPAA Compliant: 5/5
- Document Storage: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Diagnostic Tools: 4/5

[See all features](/medical/radiolens-profile/#key-features)

---

### [RISynergy](/medical/swearingen-risynergy-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.9/5
- Reviews: 4
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

RISynergy is an on-premise, SQL-based radiology information systems (RIS) for radiology centers and hospitals. It enables users to automate the workflow of tracking patient

[Read more](/medical/swearingen-risynergy-profile/)

---

### [Teleray](/medical/teleray-profile/)

- Overall rating: 5/5
- Reviews: 2
- Starting price: $80.00/month
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

TeleRay is a web-based telehealth and imaging platform designed to help physicians conduct consultations with images on the screen. It may connect to modalities or PACS.

[Read more](/medical/teleray-profile/)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: $80.00/month

[See full pricing details](/medical/teleray-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [UltraLinq](/medical/ultralinq-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Reviews: 13
- Starting price: $3,999.00one time
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

UltraLinq is a cloud-based PACS, offering a comprehensive platform for medical imaging. With all its functionality online, you can upload, view, and interpret patient imaging any

[Read more](/medical/ultralinq-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Multi-Location: 5/5
- Document Storage: 5/5
- Workflow Management: 3/5

[See all features](/medical/ultralinq-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Merge RIS](/medical/merge-ris-profile/)

- Overall rating: 5/5
- Reviews: 1
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Merge RIS is a cloud-based information recording solution that stores, manages and distributes patient radiology information. It caters to radiologists and ambulatory imaging

[Read more](/medical/merge-ris-profile/)

---

### [VEPRO Information System](/medical/vepro-vis-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4/5
- Reviews: 1
- Starting price: €5,000.00one time
- Free trial: Available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

VEPRO Information System (VIS) is a cloud-based workflow management solution designed for medical practices of all sizes.


The solution features documentation of processes,

[Read more](/medical/vepro-vis-profile/)

#### Pricing

##### Basic

- Price: €5,000.00one time

[See full pricing details](/medical/vepro-vis-profile/#pricing-and-plans)

---

### [ARIA Clinical Solutions](/medical/varian-aria-profile/)

- Overall rating: 3.5/5
- Reviews: 8
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

ARIA is an ONC-ATCB certified electronic health record (EHR) and information system catering to oncology practices. The solution enables practitioners to create treatment plans,

[Read more](/medical/varian-aria-profile/)

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Image Analysis: 5/5
- Patient Scheduling: 5/5
- Imaging and X-rays: 5/5
- Audit Trail: 5/5

[See all features](/medical/varian-aria-profile/#key-features)

---

### [Curve Dental](/medical/curve-dental-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.4/5
- Reviews: 285
- Best for: Ease of use
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

Curve Dental is a comprehensive dental software solution. It is designed to streamline workflows and enhance communication for both independent and multi-location dental practices.

[Read more](/medical/curve-dental-profile/)

##### What users love

- Intuitive interface for daily tasks
- Responsive and helpful support team
- Simple onboarding and training resources

##### To take in mind

- Confusing and limited billing features

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Comparison View: 5/5
- Alerts/Notifications: 5/5
- Task Scheduling: 5/5
- Activity Dashboard: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- API: 1/5
- AI Copilot: 1/5
- Inventory Management: 3/5
- Calendar Management: 3.3/5

[See all features](/medical/curve-dental-profile/#key-features)

---

### [WebPT](/medical/webpt-emr-profile/)

- Overall rating: 4.2/5
- Reviews: 485
- Best for: HIPAA Compliant
- Free trial: Not available
- Free demo: Not available

#### Overview

WebPT provides all-in-one practice experience management (PXM) software designed to engage patients and accelerate financial growth for rehab therapy organizations. The platform

[Read more](/medical/webpt-emr-profile/)

##### What users love

- Responsive and knowledgeable support team
- Accessible web-based platform benefits
- User-friendly and intuitive interface

##### To take in mind

- Workflow and documentation inefficiencies
- Limited customization and outdated interface
- Complex and unreliable billing processes

#### Features

##### Best rated features

- Progress Notes: 5/5
- Decision Support: 5/5
- Mobile Access: 5/5
- Care Plan Management: 5/5

##### Worst rated features

- Multiple Appointment Types: 2/5
- Customizable Reports: 2.8/5
- Electronic Payments: 2.8/5

[See all features](/medical/webpt-emr-profile/#key-features)

---

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## Popular Comparisons

[

AdvancedEHR vs RXNT

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/1018-AdvancedEHR/vs/26627-rxnt-emr/)[

Denticon vs Curve Dental

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/curve-dental-profile/vs/denticon/)

## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox

### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you.

## Radiology Software Overview

Radiology information systems (referred to as “RIS” by most users and vendors) have been around since the 1980s and have been tailored to meet the needs of both small and large organizations. The RIS market has become flooded with vendors since then, resulting in a fragmented market that most buyers find confusing to navigate. We’ve written this guide to give buyers a lay of the land to start their research and comparisons.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

[What Is RIS?](#WhatIsRIS)

[Common Features of RIS Software](#CommonFeaturesofRISSoftware)

[What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou)

[The Vendor Landscape](#TheVendorLandscape)

[Evaluating Radiology Information Systems](#EvaluatingRadiologyInformationSystems)

[Benefits and Potential Issues](#BenefitsandPotentialIssues)

[Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand)

[The Vendor Landscape](#TheVendorLandscape)

## What Is RIS?

Radiology information software (RIS) is an electronic medical records system designed to serve the unique needs of radiology centers. These systems help manage clinical and administrative data and automate workflows by:

-   Collecting patient demographics and contact information
    
-   Scheduling appointments
    
-   Tracking images
    
-   Monitoring examination performance
    
-   Reporting on results
    
-   Managing billing and reimbursement
    

Radiology centers will have the choice of implementing a standalone RIS or an [integrated RIS and picture archiving and communication system (PACS)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/medical/picture-archiving-and-communication-systems-comparison/). Due to the complementary offerings of both, it is fairly common for RIS buyers to implement integrated RIS and PACS suites. The decision to implement a standalone RIS or a complete RIS/PACS is dependent on users’ unique needs and environments.

## Common Features of RIS Software

The following features are commonly found in most RIS systems:

| Feature | Description |
| --- | --- |
| HL7 interface | Enables integration with picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), electronic medical records systems (EMRs) or hospital information systems (HIS) to ensure seamless data transfer between order entry, results delivery, patient clinical information etc. |
| Dictation support | In-app voice recognition or integrations with third party solutions that allow physicians to use a microphone to speak commands and dictate notes and patient reports. |
| Result delivery via efax and email | Transmission of imaging results back to the electronic system, and physician, that ordered them. Systems with patient portals will also send imaging results to the access portal for patient use. |
| Administrative dashboards and reports | Report on a variety of business operations, including exam requests, administrative workflows and clinician productivity. Track trends and increase profitability through analyzing department metrics such as patient type, modality mix, report turnaround time and more. |

---

## What Type of Buyer Are You?

It is important that buyers assess what type of buyer they are before evaluating vendors. Just about all buyers can fall into one of the following three categories:

**Small radiology centers.** These buyers typically work in radiology centers with fewer than 10 providers. They have the most straightforward needs of the three buyer categories. 

**Enterprise radiology centers.** These buyers work in radiology centers that have at least 10 physicians on staff, although they may be much larger. These buyers will typically require a robust RIS capable of integrating with PACS and HIS. 

**Hospitals.** These buyers work in radiology departments within hospitals and typically manage a large amount of radiological information and images originating from several locations or users. They are aiming to integrate with HIS and eliminate a lot of the inefficiency associated with managing information on paper. 

## The Vendor Landscape

While the radiology information systems market is complex and fragmented, buyers can quickly understand where to look by segmenting the industry along the lines of the three buyer categories mentioned above.

| Feature | Description |
| --- | --- |
| This type of buyer... | Should evaluate these systems |
| Small radiology centers | RISynergy, Medics RIS/PACS, Sage Intergy |
| Enterprise radiology centers | GE, Medics RIS/PACS |
| Hospitals | GE, Siemens, Philips |

---

## Evaluating Radiology Information Systems

When evaluating these systems, prospective buyers should consider the following:

**Integration requirements.** If purchasing a standalone RIS system, ensure the system integrates with existing PAC and EHR software. Also, assess the timeline until existing PAC and EHR systems need replacing. If additional purchases will be required in the near future, consider investing in a single, integrated platform.

**Support for existing workflows.** Evaluate whether RIS solutions support existing workflows or if they will need to be implemented by a third-party vendor. Common workflows include order entry, scheduling, worklist management, examination documentation and interpretation, report generation, results distribution and billing.

## Benefits and Potential Issues

When implementing a RIS, buyers should primarily expect to realize the following benefits:

-   **Efficiency.** By eliminating paper folders, hardcopy images and manual methods of tracking data, radiology centers should expect to increase efficiency when transitioning from a fully manual office to one powered by a RIS. 
    
-   **Uniformity.** RIS are able to enforce best practices for radiology center workflow, including reviewing images, storing information and sharing data with other organizations. A formal system ensures that all necessary steps will be taken without key tasks being forgotten. 
    
-   **Automated reporting.** Buyers should find that it is much easier to run reports on various criteria, enabling them to determine trends in outcomes and make data-driven decisions. 
    

As with all technology, there are potential risks to consider as well. The first issue on most RIS buyers’ minds is patient privacy, which most companies have addressed with fully HIPAA-compliant systems. The second concern we hear about most often is in regards to ease of use. While most ease of use issues can be addressed with training, buyers will want to perform a thorough evaluation of their selected RIS to make sure the workflow is logical and the layout is intuitive.

## Market Trends to Understand

There are two important healthcare software trends that are important to understand when evaluating the RIS market:

**Software as a Service (SaaS).** The SaaS delivery model has disrupted a number of software markets, including RIS. Many buyers prefer systems that “sit in the cloud” and require low upfront costs, little IT infrastructure and greater accessibility. Many vendors now offer SaaS solutions and buyers should be ready to evaluate this model with an open mind. 

**Integration and interoperability.** Buyers should be aware of the widespread push towards integration among disjointed healthcare networks. As providers and government legislators recognize the costs and inefficiencies in the healthcare system due to paper, large and small RIS buyers need to consider whether their vendor supports open standards and integration with EMRs, hospital information systems and health information exchanges.

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