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Informatics: PACS, DICOM and Security
DICOM moves images, HL7 moves text, and every login, logoff and password choice protects patient information.
The systems
Several connected systems handle imaging data. The hospital information system (HIS) holds the whole patient record, including registration, admission, discharge and transfer, orders and billing. The radiology information system (RIS) handles the imaging side: scheduling, exam tracking, radiology reports and billing. The picture archiving and communication system (PACS) stores images, sends them to reading stations and lets clinicians view them. These systems must share data accurately or images end up on the wrong record.