Technology advancements in diagnostic imaging have helped make doctors' jobs a lot easier as they provide comprehensive scan results to patients. With the development of teleradiology, physicians will be able to reach underserved members of the population near their care facilities.
According to Diagnostic Imaging, the upcoming annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America brings to light the recurring topic of teleradiology. Options for this innovation were once limited, but as technologies like electronic health record software improve, the capabilities of teleradiology have increased.
New providers of the advanced service have directly partnered with on-site physicians to deliver high-quality interpretations. Together, these relationships can help improve patient care and reduce health care expenses.
What are the benefits of teleradiology?
The European Society of Radiology explained that teleradiology offers many advantages to medical imaging professionals. For example, the service allows the transmission of images from remote locations to major care centers that employ more experienced and knowledgeable radiologists. This is particularly beneficial to rural and urban areas of the country where hospitals are hard to access.
In addition, doctors can send completed scans to specialty radiological services for in-depth evaluations and clinical advice. These experts can help determine if patients require transfers to facilities that perform advanced services. Their expert opinions might allow general radiologists to manage patients in their own locations as well and avoid potentially hazardous moves.
Lastly, teleradiology would allow doctors to collaborate better on diagnoses as images can be viewed simultaneously from different locations around the world. A physician working in India could discuss possible treatment options with specialists based in the U.K. or U.S. with ease.
Is it the right move for radiology?
Today, teleradiology offices are being operated by radiologists with extensive experience in the field, Diagnostic Imaging explained. This creates a more dynamic partnership than ever before, leading to better point-of-care opportunities for on-site doctors. In addition, radiologists working at facilities take a more hands-on approach to patient care.
Imaging centers are more interested in forging partnerships rather than shopping for various vendors around the health care industry. Radiologists want professional relationships that focus on improving organic growth, enhancing clinical developments and reducing wasted expenses from redundant imaging procedures.
How does it affect radiologists and patients?
One of the most common concerns about teleradiology is that it might reduce the value of local radiologists and lead to outsourcing for interpretations, according to the ESR. In addition, some opponents to the service fear that it could produce a vast quantity of work for various specialties, like neuroradiology.
However, the more that doctors collaborate on readings, the better off patients will be. Having multiple expert interpretations helps referring physicians choose the best course of action and improve patient care overall. The quality of diagnoses would be dramatically enhanced, which could eventually lead to reduced costs for patients and facilities that provide comprehensive imaging services.
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Ronny Bachrach
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