Radiology Information Systems (RIS)
Radiology Information Systems (RIS) are databases used by radiologists and medical facilities to track, alter, store and disperse patient information. RIS have been such a huge commodity for the medical field because all of the tools and resources needed to utilize and organize patient information are in central databases.
Radiology Information Systems have numerous functions including:
• Web-accessibility
• Patient Tracking
• Image Tracking
• Interactive Documentation
• Billing
• Picture Archiving and Communication System integration
• Worklist displays
• Seamless appointment creation
RIS save facilities quite a chunk of change. Images can be brought up quickly because they are stored on the database; therefore, time is saved and radiologists do not have to worry about taking multiple screenings to back up the original, or create a separate backup file for the images. The state-of-the-art RIS have those capabilities already built in. This isn't just subject to images. Reports and notes can be opened without having to manually send them to medical personnel. This also saves everyone time and money—including the patient.
Most RIS are transitioning or have already gone the paperless route. It is an obvious money saver and definitely takes less of a toll on the environment. The facility that goes this route has that win-win in its pocket, but can now market itself as environmentally friendly or "green."
RIS don't solve every single problem typically faced by radiologists, but definitely take several steps toward that end. It's all about saving as much time, money and energy as humanly possible. Radiology, just like any other field in medical technology, is a very high paced gig. There is little to know room for error, and the consequences can be dire if indeed errors happen.
You want to have every single humanly possible safeguard in place, in order to assure that nothing escapes scrutiny and everything is copasetic. Computerization of all processes is much safer now than it ever has been in the past. First off, security is never an issue with in-house web services. Intranets are not only safe, they are tremendously efficient and effective conduits for high-speed communication. Secondly, with today's type of file backup there is absolutely no way that your data is going to be lost. It's happened too many times in the past for engineers not to have learned from their mistakes.
The medical field is one business sector where inefficiency will no longer be acceptable because of a lacking technology. In the United States, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has set forth new protocols outlined in the HITECH Act. This recent development will demand that all medical enterprises make "meaningful use" of electronic medical records (EMRs.) Medical businesses are suggested to begin implementation as soon as possible as this will soon be enforced, starting in 2015.
The need for digital systems in these types of facilities extends beyond the concept of customer service. This process will give the opportunity to make processes more efficient, potentially expediting medical services. More importantly, digital information is more accurately retained and simpler to transfer between facilities. In the event of an emergency, instant access to a patient's medical health history could be life-saving.
For businesses that have been using the same paper record filing system for years, this will require an undertaking for IT, both in implementing an effective system as well as entering years, or decades worth of information into a new EMR system. Many organizations are turning to free, open platforms that have been specifically developed for use within medical enterprises for the sake of retaining all medical data relative to patient care. Most of these platforms are available from the open source hosting site, SourceForge.net.
One of the more widely utilized open source medical platforms used in Asia is THIRRA. THIRRA is an acronym derived from the conceptual project Portable System for TeleHealth and Health Informatics for Rural and Remote Areas. The project was started for a need to help assist those in parts of the world where medical care is not readily available. THIRRA is designed to assist users in identifying the outbreak of certain infectious diseases to help control centers prevent total epidemics in regions where healthcare is not well developed through Bio-surveillance functionality. Though THIRRA was initially developed in Southeast Asia, the platform has the capability to be utilized by any medical facility.
The THIRRA platform functions by utilizing a web server for database functions. The program can be installed on various OS platforms, which can be used in an offline mode when internet service is not available. When connected to a network, the database will update with information entered on the end client. THIRRA is written in PHP and makes heavy use of the CodeIgnitor platform as well as PostgreSQL for database functions. The interface for the web console relies on jQuery so that the service may be used in conjunction with most OS platforms and with a varieny of web browsers.
Vitera seems to offer some of the most comprehensive health IT solution packages available anywhere in the world. With 3 highly effective solutions packages, several specialized health solutions, customer and technical support, project management and training, and even support in your application and participation in many government initiatives, Vitera is a valuable key for any hospital or practice to successfully operate in an increasingly crunched environment.
Vitera Intergy is probably their most popular package. It is billed as a "comprehensive clinical, financial, reporting and communication solution for today's healthcare practices". The all-encompassing package is perfect for any practice which hopes to centralize, streamline, and simultaneously empower their computing system. Compliance is never an issue, as all pre-existing software is easily assimilated through multi-platform capabilities.
If you're a doctor with your own private, independent practice, you'll be more inclined to take a look at Vitera Stat. Front of house, in the clinic, or in the back office, Vitera Stat is ideal for those who wish to deliver exceptional service without all the serious cost of similar software. Cloud based technology and mobile access to patients' records allows for swift, reliable, and high-quality operations, day in and day out.
Vitera Medical Manager takes it to the next level, for any kind of practice. Workflow technology for medical practices? Sign us up. Over a quarter century of the highest scope in computing experience goes into VMM, and it shows both in popularity and performance. It is the perfect solution for any practice which hopes to seriously boost profitability and overall reputation.
There is much more than these flagship suites being offered by Vitera, however. Specialized electronic health records are available for a number of areas, including OB/GYN, Cardio, Public Health, Ortho, Pedio, and much more. The medical records requirements for one of these areas are quite often much different and more variable than another. Software geared toward a specific type of practice ought to reflect this uniqueness.
Vitera takes their commitment to their clients very seriously. This is why they offer customized training for any of their clients. In addition, they offer project management and technical support. It's all part of the responsibility in being an industry leader. Their strong and unique software profile attracted the attention of Vista Equity Partners, who bought the product line in 2011 and successfully rebranded it as the product you see today.
Vista provides Vitera with strong financial backing, yet at the same time demands the highest quality performance. With this scenario, the future seems to hold quite of bit of good fortune for this venture.
Please note that this is an unofficial review of Vitera. Visit Vitera directly for the most up-to-date information on these products and services.
The US government is one of the largest providers of health services in America. In particular, veterans are a major demographic of those who receive government funded medical services. The many VA clinics throughout the country must function in a manner that is highly interoperable and responsive. The government is a hit-or-miss entity for the adoption of new technology. In this instance, however, the model used for medical management among the various VA branches is a paradigm for the medical industry in reference to new regulations which will soon change the manner in which medical information is administered.
Paper records will soon be a part of the past when HITECH Act comes into play as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This act will mandate that all medical facilities make "meaningful use" of digital systems for the retention of patient medical information. These systems, known as electronic medical records (EMRs), are part of category of software that will allow the comprehensive collection of all medical information for every field of medicine. It is suggested that medical care facilities begin implementation of such systems as soon as possible as enforcement will begin in 2015.
The VistA platform is one of the most widely recognized EMR systems, as it the software of choice for the VA. A large percentage of American's are eligible for such benefits, so it is quite familiar amongst doctors and other healthcare professionals as they have likely encountered this system throughout their career.
VistA is has been used by over 60% of physicians throughout the US; training programs for entry level doctors and other medical professionals typically start with government sponsored programs. The intent of VistA is to eventually incorporate several different foundations to increase the collaboration among medical service providers such that providers outside government funded agencies will be able to efficiency make use of the VistA platform.
The VistA program is a comprehensive software platform which encompasses all aspects of health care, ranging from prenatal care through end of life services, incorporating such businesses as Hospice and other 3rd party providers. The platform itself is presented as a simple GUI, built upon a perceived Visual Basic interface which grants a level of familiarity to users who may have experienced other EMR systems. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) incorporates over 160 different application instances, which is supported by over 160 hospitals, more than 130 nursing homes as well as 800 plus clinics in the United States.
TotalMD- simplifying practice management
TotalMD medical software comes with easy to use and intelligent features designed to make your practice quick, seamless and convenient. While the health care market is full of numerous medical software systems, there are very few who offer as many benefits as TotalMD.
Here is why TotalMD makes for the right choice:
This medical software aims at not just reducing the clutter that comes with paperwork, but also improving patient experience, and consequently improving lives.
Discussed below are some of its features:
Impressive interface
One of the good things about this medical software is the easy to use interface. Moving from one screen to the other is as easy as it can get. The software makes use of an up to date, graphical software design that is very similar to the Internet Explorer. Health care providers can greatly benefit from this easy to read interface that features an excellent EMR software.
Patient Scheduler
An easy to use and built in patient scheduler makes for a convenient tool for both medical providers and patients. Benefits include patient appointment notification by email, easily checking in and printing of super bills for patients, convenient time intervals for providers, color coding of appointments by reason, and much more.
Statements
Statements can be completely customized as per requirements. With this software you can print a statement that comes with a negative balance, something that is not possible with certain medical software systems.
Reports
Reports are totally customizable, and users can install favorite reports and work on them from the main splash screen.
Integration
The software comes with built in HL7 connectivity to many electronic health records systems. It also integrates seamlessly with Encoder Pro, a highly diligent medical coding software.
Security
Easy to install, the security feature allows the administrator to control multiple parts of the program, which includes controlling user access to delete, edit or add records.
Affordability
TotalMD's full-featured medical practice management software is available at amazingly affordable rates. Compared to what you get in the market, this medical software comes at a fraction of the standard costs. And what you get is a bevy of benefits such as medical billing software, reporting, and scheduling software- all of it at incredibly minimal rates.
Training and installation
The good experience of a smartly designed medical software begins with the installation, and setting up TotalMD is a cake walk. The software comes with a clear and concise manual and easy-to-access help screens. What is more is that if you go for the Standard and Advanced programs you get free 1-800 technical support for 30 days. Health care providers with high speed internet connection can also get the technical support to log in to the computer and remotely assist in installing the software. Both online and onsite training for medical staff is provided, which can be personalized according to individual requirements. To help further, TotalMD also offers easy to read interactive training CDs.
In case of further assistance, local independent dealers can also provide hands on assistance to medical providers.
A simple and yet amazing design, and easy to use, intuitive features, and not to forget, the minimal costs, make TotalMD an absolute and exceptional choice for an intelligently functioning practice management software.
Please note that Storagepipe provides backup services for on-premises installations of TotalMD, but we are not directly affiliated with TotalMD. For official corporate information and up-to-date product details, please consult TotalMD directly.
It's very easy for us. For most companies today, I think it should be a pretty simple, effective way of getting some sleep at night and not worrying about backups.
It is clear that this is a shift in technology that provides IPC with long-term benefits and less headaches. No more back-up window issues, no more failed tapes/tape drives. Our Disaster Recovery planning has become that much easier.
