---
title: "Radiology Workflow"
description: "How to manage radiology orders — place imaging requests from OPD/IPD, upload reports, and integrate with billing in NICE HMS."
date: 2026-07-19
lastModified: 2026-07-19
category: "radiology"
author: "Dr. Umesh Bilagi"
beta: true
---

## Overview

The Radiology module handles imaging orders (X-ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc.), report upload, and billing integration. It is designed to work with both in-house radiology departments and external imaging centers.

## Placing a Radiology Order

### From OPD/IPD Encounter (Doctor)

1. During consultation, the doctor clicks **Order Investigation**.
2. Select the **Radiology** tab.
3. Choose the imaging test (e.g., "Chest X-Ray PA View", "USG Abdomen", "CT Brain Plain").
4. Add clinical notes (e.g., "R/O pneumonia", "History of trauma — rule out fracture").
5. Submit. The order appears in the Radiology queue.

### Direct Order (Radiology Department)

1. Navigate to **Radiology > New Order**.
2. Search for the patient.
3. Select the imaging test.
4. The order is queued.

## Performing the Imaging

1. The radiology technician locates the pending order from **Radiology > Queue**.
2. The patient arrives and the procedure is performed.
3. If the imaging device produces digital files (DICOM, JPEG, PNG), they are saved for upload.

## Report Upload

1. Open the completed order.
2. Click **Upload Report**.
3. Attach:
   - **Report file** — PDF report from the radiologist
   - **Images** — DICOM or image files (optional)
   - **Radiologist notes** — Findings and impression
4. Click **Finalize**.

The report is now available in the patient's record.

## Billing

Radiology charges can be:
- Added to the OPD bill (for outpatient imaging)
- Added to the IPD bill (for inpatient imaging)
- Generated as a standalone radiology bill

Pricing is configured per test from **Admin > Tests & Panels**.

## Test Catalog

Admins configure radiology tests from **Admin > Tests & Panels**:
- Test name (e.g., "MRI Brain with Contrast")
- Category: Radiology
- Price
- Report template (optional)

## FAQ

**Q: Can images be stored in NICE HMS?**
A: Images are stored in Google Cloud Storage and linked to the patient record. Large DICOM files are supported.

**Q: Can external radiologists access reports?**
A: External radiologists would need a user account with appropriate role permissions. Alternatively, reports can be printed or shared as PDFs.