An example of teleradiology is the electronic transmission of digital images of medical patients.
Medical imaging benefits
Totalmedicalimaging.com Medical imaging has many benefits for patients. Doctors use ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and X-rays to create images of the human body in order to diagnose diseases and identify and/or rule out medical problems. Radiation is a subject that has received a great deal of attention recently, so it is important to understand how imaging performed using radiation works, including the benefits and risks for patients.
The radiation doses used in medical radiological imaging examinations such as computed tomography (CT) and X-rays are much lower than those used in radiation oncology, which uses radiation as a treatment for cancer. Radiology (imaging) and radiotherapy (cancer treatment) are very different.
Medical imaging has become an integral part of modern medicine, allowing doctors to diagnose and manage their patients’ diseases safely and rapidly. The majority of today’s medical improvements involve using radiation for diagnosing, planning, and monitoring treatment.
The majority of Americans have benefited from imaging, whether it’s a simple chest X-ray for a cough, a bone X-ray for a fracture, or something more complex like a CT scan. A Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895 for the discovery of X-rays. A majority of medical surveys list CT as one of the top five medical advances of the last 40 years. This tool has been so valuable as a medical diagnostic tool that its inventors were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1979.
There are a lot of benefits that can be derived from teleradiology for patients, radiologists, and more.
1. Diagnostics that are faster
Almost instantly, remote radiology can display medical imaging results. By using this technology, physician practices and hospitals are able to diagnose and treat patients more quickly and efficiently.
2. Cost-effective
Teleradiology eliminates the need for radiologists to travel to the location where the patient image was captured. This allows radiologists to work virtually from anywhere. The cost of hiring a full-time, in-house radiologist will be reduced.
3. Consultation improved
Remote Radiology services allow radiologists and physicians to collaborate and determine the best treatment method for each patient. Without transferring the patient, a sub-specialist radiologist can provide a second opinion.
4. There is no shortage of radiologists
Hospitals and medical practices are suffering from radiology staff shortages, especially during holidays and night shifts. As a result of teleradiology, practices can do more with less staff because radiologists don’t need to be on-site to view and interpret images. It saves them time and allows them to do their jobs more efficiently.
5. Provides better care in rural areas
The use of teleradiology allows rural medical practices and hospitals to expand their networks without overstaffing. Hospitals in rural areas can send their patient images to teleradiology providers for quick and expert interpretations.
6. Staffing is improved
Weekend, emergency, holiday, vacation, and after-hours services are provided by teleradiology. As radiologists can essentially telecommute, medical facilities utilizing this branch of telemedicine can provide 24-hour coverage.
7. Providing educational opportunities
Using teleradiology, physicians and radiologists can learn and expand their skills within the field. Radiologists or other health care experts can use the technology to present educational presentations.