RANZCR and ADIA release radiology referral set to enhance interoperability of digital imaging services for Australian patients

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) and Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association (ADIA) are pleased to announce the release of the Radiology Referral Set (RRS). The RRS is a set of SNOMED CT-AU terminologies that can be used in the background of referrers’ software systems, providing greatly enhanced interoperability and data accuracy between referrers and radiology providers. It marks a milestone in the development of radiology in the digital health space, laying a solid foundation for a more connected, digitalised heath care system.

The RRS whilst still in its infancy is standards-based and easy to update and maintain. It includes an initial set of 20 radiology services codes; machine-readable artefacts to support the adoption of the terminology set by software vendors; as well as guiding principles and standards for the development of a full Australian Radiology Referral Set.

Introducing the RRS into digital health system operations will improve clinical practices and patient outcomes through enabling clinical decision support, data analytics, and facilitating improved communication and interoperability.

Clin A/Prof Sanjay Jeganathan, RANZCR President, said: ”The Radiology Referral Set has been developed by radiologists and radiology providers for the radiology industry. I’m very proud that the College has made a great contribution in this project in collaboration with ADIA. Australian radiologists have had a vision for clinical radiology in the world of digital health for a decade, and this achievement tells us that the future is now here.”

Dr Julian Adler, ADIA President, commented: “I’m delighted to join RANZCR to deliver this exciting news about the Radiology Referral Set. It is a major step to facilitate quality infrastructure for digital health systems, that supports evolving radiology techniques and technology, for the best interest of Australian patients. ADIA is pleased to be part of this project which will keep the radiology sector at the forefront of adapting technology in the digital health space.”

RANZCR and ADIA have conducted extensive consultations for the RRS with workshops in 2021 and 2022 involving key stakeholders. Project support for the development of the Radiology Referral Set has been provided by the Australian Digital Health Agency and the Australian Government Department of Health.

To learn more about Radiology Referral Set, please visit: https://www.ranzcr.com/our-work/quality-standards/digital-health

Standardised Terminology for Radiology eReferrals