Teleradiology and telehealth work closely to extend immediate treatment to patients. In-fact, its impact is felt in the remotest of areas. A couple of days ago an interesting case study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Telehealth was used to treat a patient in the space. Doctors with the assistance of radiologists on Earth performed a follow-up ultrasound. The astronaut had a blood clot and a team of physicians on Earth evaluated the patient & assisted in his treatment.
The telehealth team has to work closely with the teleradiologists to arrive at an accurate diagnosis to treat the patient. Visibly teleradiology is an inherent part of telehealth.
Telehealth: Unfolding the journey:
Someone appropriately said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”
The germination of the idea of telehealth can be witnessed in disparity. When only a selected few get access to latest knowledge while others do not, disparity grows. But, technology is a medium through which we can successfully challenge these disparities to bring parity. This extends the reach of knowledge/invention.
There was a necessity to reach remote places and provide treatment to those who are unable to reach health care centers. This is how the journey of telehealth unfolds. Infact, we can trace the roots of telehealth way back in days when telephone was used to reduce office visits.
Also, in cases of chronic illnesses, telehealth has led to the reduction of hospitalizations, costs and read missions. Home monitoring leads to improvement in the management of illness like hypertension and diabetes.
Teleradiology: Diagnosis the crux of treatment:
In this journey of telehealth, diagnosis is imperative for further treatment. Diagnosis often depends on the interpretation of tests like of X-Rays, CT Scan, MRI, PET CT Scan, etc.
What if, “No radiologist is available to interpret these tests?” Such situations were created in telehealth. This necessity led to the invention of teleradiolgy and its roots can be dated back to 1947.
Initially, film was passed with the help of a digitizer but now it is done by using direct digital capture. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) is used to transmit and store data.
In the 90s teleradiology made a significant impact on treating patients with head injuries in remote rural areas. Since teleconsultation with radiologist was available it impacted diagnosis and treatment plans as well.
Teleradiology: part of comprehensive telehealth system
- When existing radiology department is not backed up, health care centers approach for help from teleradiologists. If there is a small community facility it can save costs by outsourcing the imaging and diagnosis.
- Health care centers that lack in-house radiologist, teleradiolgy is the perfect answer to provide treatment to patients.
- During emergencies where the patient has mobility issues teleradiologist supplements treatment.
- Sometimes second opinion becomes vital especially in case of serious illnesses. Teleradiology is a viable service and presents great value when second opinion is needed.
Teleradiology is leveraged to benefit health care providers, patients and radiologists too.
1. Driven by technology:
The teleradiology systems have to be FDA/HIPAA compliant. They should have PACS software as well. PACS is an electronic platform where radiology images that connected with medical automation systems. These hospital systems are Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Hospital Information System (HIS). So, teleradiology becomes a part of the technologies used in health care centers/hospitals.
The teleradiology systems have to be FDA/HIPAA compliant. They should have PACS software as well. PACS is an electronic platform where radiology images get connected with medical automation systems like Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Hospital Information System (HIS). So, teleradiology becomes a part of the technologies used in health care centers/hospitals.
It has adhered to the globally standardized reporting format of X-Rays, CT Scan, MRI, PET CT Scan, etc.
Teleradiology has achieved all the necessary global standards and compliances. Thus, it is acceptable across boundaries. This eases the efforts of the health care professionals due to uniformity and timely assistance.
2. Ready availability of radiologists:
During wee hours of the night or early morning a radiologist might not be available immediately. This challenge can be combated by sending reports to countries like India. In India when it is day time, in countries like USA, UK, Mexico, Italy, etc, it is night time.
There is a growing trend of outsourcing services to other countries. This trend has moved to the medical field as well, specifically to radiology. This practice is called “nighthawking.” It eases the overburdened radiologists in countries especially USA.
Teleradiologists are available 24 hours in India where subspecialty reporting is available. In-fact India is now the preferred destination for teleradiology.
3. Diagnosis
Radiology images like CT Scan, PET Scan, X Rays are needed for diagnosing. Telemedicine demands interpretation of these tests as a prerequisite for diagnosis and further treatment. This bottleneck in telemedicine is solved by teleradiology. It provides the interpretation of the images whenever and wherever they are needed.
Let’s say a US patient is suffering from head injury due to an accident. Since it is 2 am, a radiologist isn’t available at the health care center. This challenge can be resolved by teleradiology. The images can be sent to radiologist in India where its 12:30 pm.
In this manner a challenge presented by telemedicine is resolved by teleradiology.
4. Benefits to teleradiologists:
Due to high demand of radiologists, jobs are being created. Sourcing radiologists is tough in other countries so, India has become a preferred destination. Many teleradiologists’ jobs and radiologists’ jobs are being created in India. Also, radiologists trained in subspecialty get opportunities to explore their skills and knowledge.
At present teleradiologists prefer to think in isolation. They have not stepped out of their limited role. Nor have they realized how teleradiologists can be a comprehensive part of telehealth system?
Let’s say for example a patient sends some images to the teleradiology center. An expert radiologist interprets and make a report out of it. At this point of time the patient might need a specialist like oncologist. Here the teleradiology center can suggest one to the patient.
If teleradiologists step out of their limited roles they can improve health care.
Future Teleradiology based in India provides teleradiology services all around the globe. You may be located in USA, UK, Singapore, Mexico, Brazil, UAE, Yemen, Kuwait, etc. or any other country- reach out to us for the best teleradiology services.
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