By Philips ∙ Sep 09, 2024 ∙ 3 min read
Teleradiology, the practice of transmitting radiological images from one location to another for interpretation, is revolutionizing the medical field and transforming imaging departments. As remote telehealth and teleradiology become more integrated into healthcare, it is essential for healthcare professionals to understand its benefits, applications and future potential. Read on to learn why.
Teleradiology is the electronic transmission of radiological images, such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs, from one location to another for expert interpretation. Unlike traditional radiology, it leverages telecommunication technology, enabling real-time access to radiology services across distances. This process utilizes advanced tools and systems, such as PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) and DICOM® (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine), ensuring secure and efficient image sharing. The basic components of this remote imaging system include image-capturing devices, secure transmission networks and workstations equipped with specialized software. This is essential for emergency care, routine examinations and specialized consultations and offers versatile applications across various medical settings.
Remote imaging technology is revolutionizing today’s healthcare practices and hospitals’ remote imaging capabilities by providing greater flexibility for both providers and patients, enabling efficient and comprehensive diagnostic services that extend beyond geographical limitations.
However, healthcare organizations still should be mindful of the limitations, including logistical obstacles like billing, physician licensure and compliance requirements and technical limitations, such as Internet access and system updates.
Providers can overcome these challenges through continuous innovation and adaptation to the new technologies on the horizon, collaborating with healthtech providers to streamline IT integration and keep remote imaging services and systems current with the latest advancements.
Remote imaging already offers numerous benefits, including 24/7 availability, improved accessibility and enhanced efficiency. It plays a vital role in today’s emergency care, specialized consultations and routine examinations, making it an indispensable part of modern healthcare and telehealth solutions for patients.
Ongoing technological advancements are shaping the future with innovations in imaging and communication technologies expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of remote radiology services, including:
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning promises to speed up image reading and improve diagnostic accuracy. Future capabilities of AI in remote imaging include: By embracing these technological innovations, remote imaging will continue to evolve, offering more efficient, accurate and accessible diagnostic services, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.
Remote imaging offers immense potential for improving patient outcomes and expanding access to radiology services, from small practices in remote locations to large hospitals in urban environments. This technology also offers operational productivity improvements. With the total volume of diagnostic imaging procedures performed forecasted to increase to 5.7 billion in 2025*, outsourced services can help healthcare providers adapt to unpredictable volume swings and address radiologist workforce shortages. By providing cutting-edge medical imaging technology and incorporating a range of telehealth and integrative diagnostic solutions into their daily operations, global healthcare organizations can better address these challenges.
*Source: Signify Research: Teleradiology World 2021 Report
* Check SOC services availability for your market with your local representative.
You are about to visit a Philips global content page
Continue