KLAS: Providers prize RIS/PACS integration
Providers are looking for vendors that offer not only functionality, but also integration between a RIS and PACS, according to a recent report from market research firm KLAS.
For the report, “Ambulatory RIS/PACS: Integrating Provider Needs," KLAS contacted more than 500 provider facilities about their RIS and PACS vendors.
"Integration means increased provider satisfaction when looking at the combined RIS/PACS markets," stated Orem, Utah-based KLAS. "However, there are a couple of exceptions to that rule. Single-side vendors that offer only one side of a RIS or PACS like MedInformatix and Intelerad do exceptionally well in the RIS and PACS markets, respectively. Because they do not need to focus on integrating a RIS and PACS solution, single-side vendors can home in on functionality."
Providers said they are also very satisfied with vendors offering a single-database RIS/PACS: Vendors like CoActiv, DR Systems and Infinitt offer the perks of tight integration—including easier maintenance, consistent look and feel of the PACS and RIS and, in some cases, lower cost.
CoActiv is the top-scoring PACS vendor in the report and Infinitt took the number two spot, according to providers.
In general, vendors that offer RIS and PACS on a separate database have more trouble with integration and providers report being less impressed with them, according to the report.
In addition, market consolidation and poor vendor performance are driving nearly one in 10 providers to switch vendors, while other providers are "in a holding pattern" due to uncertainty in the market, according to KLAS. "Providers want to see vendors adding new modules like mammography viewing, and they want good web-based functionality, as well as upgrades that come out on time and are well tested," the report stated.
For the report, “Ambulatory RIS/PACS: Integrating Provider Needs," KLAS contacted more than 500 provider facilities about their RIS and PACS vendors.
"Integration means increased provider satisfaction when looking at the combined RIS/PACS markets," stated Orem, Utah-based KLAS. "However, there are a couple of exceptions to that rule. Single-side vendors that offer only one side of a RIS or PACS like MedInformatix and Intelerad do exceptionally well in the RIS and PACS markets, respectively. Because they do not need to focus on integrating a RIS and PACS solution, single-side vendors can home in on functionality."
Providers said they are also very satisfied with vendors offering a single-database RIS/PACS: Vendors like CoActiv, DR Systems and Infinitt offer the perks of tight integration—including easier maintenance, consistent look and feel of the PACS and RIS and, in some cases, lower cost.
CoActiv is the top-scoring PACS vendor in the report and Infinitt took the number two spot, according to providers.
In general, vendors that offer RIS and PACS on a separate database have more trouble with integration and providers report being less impressed with them, according to the report.
In addition, market consolidation and poor vendor performance are driving nearly one in 10 providers to switch vendors, while other providers are "in a holding pattern" due to uncertainty in the market, according to KLAS. "Providers want to see vendors adding new modules like mammography viewing, and they want good web-based functionality, as well as upgrades that come out on time and are well tested," the report stated.