RIS/PACS (radiology information system/picture archiving and communication system) deployments and data migrations are a challenge for any organization, especially if you’re operating under false impressions or incorrect assumptions. Here are the top 5 mistakes your radiology practice should avoid.
1. Oversimplifying the Transition
RIS/PACS migrations can be complex. Our advice? Test, test and test again! Testing in controlled environments is key. Like any system rollout: plan, test and implement. You’ll avoid surprises on go-live day that could lead to frustrated users and unplanned downtimes.
2. Transitioning Without Help
You’ll have a skills gap during a RIS/PACS deployment, so don’t cut corners. Working with a partner to ensure successful deployment will save money by avoiding elongated projects.
3. Forgetting to Consider all Contingencies
Don’t forget to consider all contingencies in the transition such as network architecture and data center facilities that need to be addressed as a new system is rolled out. For migrations, you may not need to migrate your entire set of records based on your state and facilities record retention requirements. Be sure to consult with your risk/compliance departments. There are several actions your organization can take to start with smaller integrations and build from there.
4. Choosing a New RIS/PACS Without Consulting With Users
Deploying a new RIS/PACS is a great opportunity for IT to enhance and strengthen its relationship with end users. Collaborate with other employees to find out what they need to be productive and address those areas with your vendor of choice.
5. Neglecting Your Infrastructure
Be mindful of the impact to your network and workstations. Make sure you build it out to handle the appropriate transaction volume and users without sacrificing performance and efficiency.
Watch the video “What to Look for in PACS Workflow Efficiency.”
Watch the video “Six Tenets of Enterprise Imaging Strategy.”
Ryan Furlough, BSCPE, CPAS, has worked in medical imaging services for over a decade in various operational and technical leadership positions. He holds a B.S. in computer engineering from North Carolina State University where he graduated with honors and professional certification in PACS (PARCA). He has also been active in industry groups such as HIMSS, where he was part of a workgroup that developed HIMSS Telemedicine Services RFP. He currently serves as the director of professional services for RamSoft.
March 10, 2026 
