The patient data information system of the present invention integrates patient image data and patient textual data and provides a method for patient data creation, maintenance and retrieval. The patient data information system comprises a display unit coupled to a workstation with the workstation configured to operate a first software application which is configured to display patient images for a patient on the display unit. The workstation also is configured to work a second software application. When the first software application is configured to generate a patient context for the patient being treated and provide the patient context to the second software application and display patient data from the second software application based on the patient context. The first software application retrieves patient image data from a Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS). And the second software application is configured to retrieve patient textual data from a Radiology Information System (RIS) wherein the patient data includes the patient textual data. A high resolution monitor displays the patient image data and the patient textual data and the user of the present patient data information system retrieves and inputs data utilizing an input unit from a group consisting of a mouse, a voice recognition system, a keystroke on a keyboard, a switch and a light pin. The second software application includes a plurality of RIS applications such as a case sign out application, a report entry application, an order detailing the application and an order viewer application.