A facility must carefully decide how to integrate and morph these into one EMR while not disrupting imaging's daily routine. Think back to the old file rooms. Medical records had one and radiology had one. What was two, must now be one.
While dissecting this EMR issue, other questions regarding radiology records must be considered as well. Are the voice clips on your PACS being used to diagnose prior to the final report? Are these voice clips being released with a preliminary report attached either internally or externally by ER transfer or referrals? What are the legal ramifications if the voice clips and final reports differ?
It is important to check for loss of pertinent patient information during the transfer of information from PACS into RIS, and to decide how to properly structure your EMR according to your facility's current level of capability. Check to see that you can prove that the actions taken by imaging technologists are documented in both your RIS and your PACS. In the meantime, chances are we will all still be getting two subpoenas for many years to come.
Brian Olsovsky is the director of radiology for Cuero Community Hospital in Cuero, Texas. Healthcare Informatics 2010 November;27(11):20-22
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