A data explosion is driving the integration of RIS and PACS, said Andrew Wronka, syngo imaging product manager for Siemens Medical Solutions at RSNA 2006 in Chicago on Monday. In his talk, “Introduction to the Future of RIS & PACS,” Wronka said that more data will be created in the next year than has been created to date. And, although the procedure volume was increasing by about five percent a year, “now we’re seeing much steeper increases. That translates to 100 percent growth in data volume.”

That growth in data means that radiologists need more targeted access to information, which has led to an integration of RIS and PACS. It’s a natural idea, Wronka said, since it starts when an exam is scheduled. The schedule drives the modality worklist. Integration allows for a single user interface, the presentation of customized information, and a high level of data processing to bring post-processing of all types right to the desktop. Integration aids radiologists in planning since they can see what’s coming and make appropriate modifications to protocol and they can program sequences. 

“We are blurring the line between information systems and modality equipment itself,” said Wronka.