Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP) Practice Exam

Who is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of PACS?

1. PACS administrator

2. Radiology technologist

3. IT support staff

4. Medical physicist

The correct answer is: PACS administrator

The PACS administrator is specifically tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). This role encompasses a variety of responsibilities that ensure the PACS functions efficiently within the radiology department. The PACS administrator oversees system maintenance, manages user access, and ensures compliance with relevant regulations and standards, making certain that the imaging data is stored, retrieved, and communicated effectively. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of both radiology workflows and imaging technology, which is essential for optimizing the performance of PACS. The administrator also serves as a liaison between radiologists, technologists, and the IT department to facilitate smooth operations and address any issues that may arise. In contrast, other roles such as radiology technologists, IT support staff, and medical physicists may contribute to the overall functioning of the imaging department, but they do not have the primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of PACS. Radiology technologists focus primarily on imaging procedures, IT support staff generally address broader technology issues, and medical physicists mainly ensure compliance with safety regulations and the proper functioning of imaging equipment. Thus, the PACS administrator is the key figure in managing the intricacies of the PACS system.