WHAT IS TELERADIOLOGY?

DEFINITION OF TELERADIOLOGY

Teleradiology is the interpretation of medical imaging studies at a site remote from where they were initially acquired. Most x-rays and imaging studies including MRI examinations are digital images that can be conveyed across the Internet to a radiologist geographically removed from the site of image acquisition. All images and reports are transmitted using HIPAA compliant network.

CREATION OF TELERADIOLOGY BY MILITARY

Teleradiology was pioneered by the US military in the early 1990s to respond to the radiology needs in Iraq and shortage of radiologists to cover stateside bases and worldwide radiology needs. Teleradiology allowed radiologists to remain stationed at stateside bases while supporting our troops in Iraq and support hospitals in Europe. Douglas K Smith MD was an Active Duty Major in the Air Force in Desert Storm and participated in the implementation of teleradiology at Wilford USAF Hall Medical Center. Dr. Smith read one of the first xray studies transmitted by satellite from the Guantanamo facility.

CIVILIAN USE OF TELERADIOLOGY

There is a shortage subspecialty radiologists especially outside major cities and independent radiology imaging facilities. Radiologists can provide radiology services to a greater number of facilities and wider geographic distribution using teleradiology. MSKIC is licensed to practice in 35 states. Teleradiology allows radiologists to provide interpretations to facilities that may not normally have access to on-site radiologists that have the expertise found at MSKIC.