If you’ve spent time in the field of radiology, you’re aware of teleradiology – the process of transmission of digital images from one facility to another for real-time interpretation. The image transmission process has allowed radiologists to work from remote locations to interpret patient data; which is improving the quality of care that patients are able to receive, especially in emergency situations.
Radiologists and other specialists are able to study CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs and radiographs quickly and easily. However, there are a few issues surrounding the process that you should be aware of. First off, in an emergency situation, doctors need their reports quickly because their course of treatment relies on the expert radiologists’ eyes. Any delay in reporting the results of a medical image can impact the care patients receive.
Another issue you might have run up against with image transmission is a situation where the preliminary report differs from a later interpretation. This has obvious consequences, including a course of treatment that is entirely unnecessary and possibly harmful.
Physicians are not out of line to demand timely interpretations that involve a compete study of the situation. They should also be able to have phone discussions with the radiologist. Remote radiologists should meet all licensing requirements and meet or surpass the qualifications of the on-site radiologists.
Something radiologists are going to have to get accustomed to with image transmission and their jobs in general involves Stage 2 requirements of Meaningful Use where complete documentation of the interpretation report must be delivered within 24 hours of the evaluation. This is something that’s more for the patient than the doctor. The patient should expect the report to be part of their permanent medical record. Any further analysis that shows a differing should also be part of documentation.
In order to work as a teleradiologist, the person must understand the strengths and weaknesses of teleradiology and have complete knowledge of the equipment used in the process. The teleradiologist must also be qualified through the American College of Radiology, proving that they understand the guidelines and standards of teleradiology.
Obviously, communication is important with diagnostic imaging. If a patient is going to receive the best care possible, the report from the teleradiologist must be timely and accurate, as well as communicated clearly to the attending physician. There is some flexibility concerning communication – it can come in the form of a written report or through verbal communication.
Helping radiologists communicate with physicians, whether it’s in the emergency room or any other department in the hospital, OffSite Image Management has created vendor neutral archiving processes that provide quick and efficient analysis and communication services. Instead of being hampered by roadblocks that occur when disparate systems attempt to communicate, OffSite has devised a system that works regardless of the hardware or software being used.
To find out more about OffSite’s solutions, visit us online and find out how much value we have to offer.