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Computerized radiographic reporting in a community hospital: a consumer's report.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|May 1, 1977
Summary
Automated radiographic reporting systems (ARRS) can improve efficiency by bypassing transcriptionists, reducing report turnaround times. This system also captured lost charges, offsetting its cost, despite a learning curve for radiologists.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Informatics
- Health Administration
Background:
- Traditional radiographic reporting relies on transcription services, often leading to delays.
- Automated systems offer potential for streamlining reporting workflows and improving efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the 30-month experience with a mark sense form-based automated radiographic reporting system (RAPORT).
- To assess the impact of RAPORT on report turnaround time, radiologist efficiency, and financial performance.
Main Methods:
- A commercially available automated radiographic reporting system (RAPORT) was implemented in a diagnostic radiology department.
- Five radiologists utilized the system over a 30-month period.
- Data on reporting completeness, turnaround time, and billing were collected.
Main Results:
- Radiologists successfully formulated readable diagnostic radiology reports in 65% of cases using RAPORT.
- The system bypassed transcriptionists, significantly decreasing report turnaround time without increasing reporting time.
- Billing and statistical capabilities captured sufficient lost charges to cover the system's cost.
Conclusions:
- Automated radiographic reporting systems can enhance efficiency and financial performance in diagnostic radiology departments.
- While RAPORT offers significant benefits, adoption requires radiologists to learn new codes and adapt reading habits.
- Potential trade-offs include a learning curve and acceptance of system-generated jargon by both radiologists and referring physicians.