RIS modality interfaces. From proprietary solutions to DICOM worklist management

Radiologic information systems (RIS) and picture archiving and communicatio n systems (PACS) are becoming increasingly widespread. This leads to new de mands on the integration of the individual,formerly independent information systems (RIS, modalities, PACS). Possible ways of integrating individual s ystems are introduced. Besides the detailed description of different realiz ations of system communication, its role in the PACS at the university hosp ital in Freiburg is explained. The integration of different information sys tems still requires the use of proprietary interfaces. An appropriate integ ration generally has been realized in Freiburg. In the near future DICOM ba sic worklist management will standardize system integration and render an i nterdepartmental workflow concept possible. Even though an available commun ication standard exists, not a II problems in the RIS-modality interface ar e solved. Different data models in the Various RI systems and modalities de mand certain degrees of freedom in the standard. Thus a satisfactory workfl ow can not be guaranteed even when all involved systems conform with the st andard.