By Doreen Witt
04 March 2026

QR codes in radiology: what advantages they bring

Fast, simple and data-secure: QR codes are the modern gold standard for exchanging patient image data - between medical facilities as well as between doctors and patients. So why, we ask ourselves, are not all radiological centres using this technology yet? Time to present it in detail.

Technical background: How QR codes access cloud files

Many of our customers already use the Telepaxx patient portal. The archiving of image data in the cloud is already included there - and of course the QR code to retrieve it with just one click. As Telepaxx CEO, Tobias Anger regularly hears how this eases the daily workload in radiology departments:

Many of our customers already use the Telepaxx patient portal. This includes archiving image data in the cloud - and, of course, the QR code to retrieve it there with a single click. As Telepaxx's managing director, Tobias Anger regularly hears how this makes everyday life in radiology departments easier:

"We keep getting feedback that QR codes make digital collaboration between radiologists, referring doctors and patients much easier."

What are QR codes?

QR codes are small squares consisting of a seemingly random black-and-white pattern that smartphone cameras or special apps can decode into specific links. The links lead to a website with further information—or, in radiology, directly to image data such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI images. This QR code, for example, takes you directly to the Telepaxx patient portal information website. QR stands for Quick Response – and that is exactly what sets this technology apart: scanning is faster than manually typing in a long website address including an access code.

Benefit 1: Time saving for radiology staff

QR codes eliminate the time-consuming and material-intensive process of burning CDs, not only in radiology practices but also in hospitals. Patients can receive a QR code with a link to their images when they register – including a note that discharge documents such as findings are also stored there. This saves time and stress for staff and reduces waiting times.

Advantage 2: Streamlined processes, fewer technical problems

At Telepaxx, we see time and again how radiologists are streamlining their processes by using QR codes. Waiting times are reduced and the number of technical problems decreases - such as defective CD burners in the radiology departments or unreadable CDs at the referring doctor.

Advantage 3: Prepared for the ePR – live since 2025

Since the electronic patient record (ePR) was introduced on January 15, 2025, the integration of QR codes into digital systems has become more relevant than ever. QR codes and the image data behind them can be integrated into the ePR relatively easily and securely. The National Agency for Digital Medicine (gematik), together with MIO42 GmbH and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), has published a discussion paper: The use of a cloud-based QR code – such as that offered by Telepaxx – to retrieve image data is a valid option. This is because it makes the integration of a data-protected web link as easy and secure as possible. Telepaxx regularly exchanges information with Gematik, MIO42, and other market participants in a working group on the further development of the technology.

Benefit 4: Facilitated collaboration with referring physicians

“In our experience, referring physicians more often recommend radiology practices to their patients that offer modern and straightforward solutions such as QR codes.”,

says Telepaxx Managing Director Tobias Anger. This is because the QR code gives referring practices direct access to their patients' images and findings - without the need for a CD drive or image viewing software. This makes cross-sector collaboration more efficient and reduces the administrative workload on both sides.

Advantage 5: Flexible integration into existing processes

QR codes can be easily integrated into existing IT structures – whether RIS, HIS, PACS, or patient portals. The TMD Cloud from Telepaxx supports seamless integration and is designed to be manufacturer-neutral. Telepaxx customers also benefit from a connection to popular appointment booking tools such as Doctolib.

The DLX standard: QR codes become interoperable

For a long time, there was no uniform standard for importing QR codes into common software tools. The Information Technology Working Group of the German Radiological Society (AGIT) therefore invited various providers to change this. With the DLX standard (DIN/TS 19455 “DICOM Link Exchange”), initial interim goals - such as the technical standardization of the directory and the download/import format - have been achieved. Tobias Anger is actively involved in this process as a member of the Telepaxx management team.

The DLX standard makes QR codes interoperable in radiology, thereby forming a viable infrastructure for cross-sector image data exchange—regardless of which portal or software is used.

practical example

QR code solution at Radiologie am Questerhof

The radiology practice Radiologie am Questerhof relies on Telepaxx's TMD Cloud - including a C5-certified QR code solution for digital image transmission to patients and referring physicians. Read our customer reference to find out how the practice modernized its entire image workflow and what results it has achieved.

Read Customer Story

Conclusion: QR codes as pioneers of digitalisation

QR codes offer radiologists a simple, efficient and future-proof solution for managing and sharing medical image data. They save time, reduce technical hurdles and promote collaboration between radiologists and referring practices.

The TMD Cloud from Telepaxx provides the technical basis for this: C5-certified, use of current standards such as DLX format, easy integration into the ePR, manufacturer-neutral, and flexible integration into existing IT infrastructures.