Advanced Imaging: Networking and Communication Basics

Network

A system of connected computers and devices that share and transfer information.

This allows images and patient data to be sent, stored, and viewed quickly across the department or hospital.

What happens if a radiology network fails?

• Images can’t be sent to PACS
  → Techs can still take images, but they won’t upload or be available to radiologists

• Radiologists can’t read exams
  → No access to images = delays in diagnosis

• Patient info may not load
  → Harder to verify orders or patient history

• Workflow slows or stops
  → Exams may be delayed, rescheduled, or done using downtime procedures

• Manual processes may be used
  → Writing down patient info, saving images locally, then uploading later when system is back

LAN (local area network)

a network that connects computers and devices in a small, specific area.

Examples:

• one hospital

• a radiology department

• a clinic

WAN (wide area network)

a network that connects multiple LANs over a large geographic area.

Examples:

• multiple hospitals in a health system

• clinics in different cities or states

Peer-topeer Netwrok

when all computers are equal and can share data directly with each other.

• No central server

• Each computer can act as both a client and a server

• Simple and inexpensive

Server-Client Network

uses a central server that manages data and resources.

• The server stores images, patient data, etc.

• Clients (workstations) request and access that information

• More secure and organized

In radiology:
This is what’s typically used (like PACS systems)

DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine)

Standard format and communication system used in medical imaging to handle images and related data.

• Formats images (X-rays, CT, MRI, etc.) so all systems can read them

• Stores patient information with the image (name, MRN, exam type, etc.)

• Allows communication between different machines and systems

HL-7

Health Level Seven.

A standard for exchanging medical information between different healthcare systems.

• Sends patient data between systems

• Connects things like:

  • registration systems

  • electronic health records (EHR)

  • radiology systems

In radiology:

• ending patient demographics (name, DOB, MRN)

• Sending orders for imaging exams

• Sending results/reports back to the patient’s chart

HIS (Hospital Information System)

Main system that manages all patient and administrative information across a hospital.

It includes things like:

• patient registration

• billing and insurance

• medical records

• scheduling

👉 Think of it as the big picture system for the entire hospital.

RIS (Radiology Information System)

Specialized system just for the radiology department.

It handles:

• imaging exam orders

• scheduling radiology procedures

• tracking patients through the department

• radiology reports

👉 It focuses only on radiology workflow and data.

Then RIS connects with PACS to store and view images

EMR (Electronic Medical Record)

a digital version of a patient’s chart within one facility.

Contains:

• medical history

• diagnoses

• medications

• notes from that specific clinic/hospital

EMR = one location’s record

EHR (Electronic Health Record)

more complete, shareable patient record across multiple facilities.

• Includes everything in an EMR plus:

  • data from different hospitals/clinics

  • long-term patient history

👉 Designed to be shared across systems (using standards like HL7)

EHR = broader, shareable record

PACS

a system used to store, retrieve, and view medical images.

• Stores:

  • X-rays

  • CT scans

  • MRIs

• Allows radiologists and doctors to access images digitally

👉 Works with DICOM to manage imaging data.
PACS = imaging storage + viewing system

Medical Record Number (MRN)

identification number assigned to a patient in a healthcare facility.

What it’s used for:

• Links all of your medical records together

• Tracks things like:

  • imaging exams (X-rays, CTs, etc.)

  • lab results

  • doctor notes

  • medications

👉 It’s like your ID number in the hospital system

Accession Number

unique number assigned to a specific exam or procedure, not the patient.

• identifies a particular imaging study (like an X-ray, CT, MRI)

• Helps track and organize that exam in systems like PACS

• Links the images, order, and report for that one exam