"Integrated" means in this context that the Acquisition Modality is connected to an Information System or Systems that may be an SCP of the Modality Worklist SOP Class or an SCP of the Modality Performed Procedure Step SOP Class or both. In the following description only the behavior of "Modalities" is mentioned, it goes without saying that the IS must conform to the same SOP Classes.

The Modality receives identifying parameters by querying the Modality Worklist SCP and generates other Attribute values during image generation. It is desirable that these identifying parameters be included in the Image SOP Instances as well as in the MPPS object in a consistent manner. In the case of a Modality that is integrated but unable to receive or send identifying parameters, e.g., link down, emergency case, the Modality may behave as if it were not integrated.

The Study Instance UID is a crucial Attribute that is used to relate Image SOP Instances (whose Study is identified by their Study Instance UID), the Modality PPS SOP Instance that contains it as a reference, and the actual or conceptual Requested Procedure (i.e., Study) and related Imaging Service Request in the IS. An IS that manages an actual or conceptual Detached Study Management entity is expected to be able to relate this Study Instance UID to the SOP Instance UID of the Detached Study Management SOP Instance, whether or not the Study Instance UID is provided by the IS or generated by the modality.

For a detailed description of an integrated environment see the IHE Radiology Technical Framework. This document can be obtained at http://www.ihe.net/