The verdict in three sentences
Custom imaging-center software — online booking, reporting workflow, patient/physician portal — costs EUR 55,000 to 130,000 in 2026, delivered in 6 to 9 months. DICOM/PACS interoperability is the heart of the project: without it, no smooth image sharing. Secure online sharing cuts printing, burned CDs and patient travel, while certified health-data hosting and data-protection compliance remain mandatory.
2026 budget for custom imaging software
| Module | Content | Timeline | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online booking | Multi-modality diary, SMS reminders | 2-3 months | EUR 20,000-35,000 |
| Reporting workflow | Dictation, validation, physician send | 3-4 months | EUR 30,000-50,000 |
| Patient/physician portal | Image sharing, results, history | 2-3 months | EUR 25,000-45,000 |
| DICOM/PACS interop | Modality and archive connection | +1-2 months | EUR 12,000-25,000 |
| Certified health-data hosting | Certified health infra | recurring | EUR 900-3,000/month |
Maintenance runs 12 to 18 %/year of the build, i.e. EUR 7,000 to 23,000/year. A full project (booking + reporting + portal + interop) typically lands around EUR 95,000-130,000.
What image sharing saves
| Item | Without portal | With secure portal |
|---|---|---|
| CDs/films burned per day | 40-70 | 0-5 |
| Consumables cost/month | EUR 1,200-2,500 | < EUR 200 |
| Result-request calls | High | -30 to -50 % |
| Patient travel (pickup) | Frequent | Rare |
| Referring physician access delay | 2-5 days | Immediate |
The portal turns a cost center (consumables, phone desk) into a competitive edge with referring physicians.
Mini case study
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Ms Chastel, director of a London imaging center (3 modalities, 120 exams/day), burns about 55 CDs/day and ties up a half-time secretary on results handover. Custom software at EUR 98,000 with a secure portal cuts 90 % of burns (saving ~EUR 1,800/month in consumables) and redeploys the half-time role (≈EUR 1,500/month loaded) to reception. That's ≈EUR 39,600/year in direct savings, before referrer loyalty. The portal component pays back in about 18 months.
FAQ
DICOM and PACS — what does it change for the budget? DICOM/PACS interoperability adds EUR 12,000 to 25,000 and 1 to 2 months, but it underpins all image sharing. It's a must-have, not an option.
Is a patient portal data-protection compliant? Yes, if hosted on certified health infra, encrypted and with access logging. Compliance requires consent, logging and controlled retention.
Can I keep my current PACS? Yes. The custom software connects to your existing PACS via DICOM; no need to replace everything.
How fast for online booking? The booking module alone ships in 2 to 3 months for EUR 20,000 to 35,000; it's often the first brick deployed for a quick win.
How much is maintenance? Budget 12 to 18 %/year of build cost, i.e. EUR 7,000 to 23,000/year depending on scope and exam volume.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your modalities, exam volume/day and current PACS; we'll phase booking, reporting and portal. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
