What is Teleradiology?

What is Teleradiology?

17 Nov, 2014

You may have heard that Vision XRAY offers teleradiology services within our practice. Yet you may be left wondering: just what is teleradiology?

Teleradiology is the sharing of radiological medical images such as x-rays, MRIs and CT scans via electronic technology. The purpose of this system is to allow patient information to be available remotely. This helps to achieve greater accuracy, efficiency, and speed when it comes to patient diagnosis and treatment. The ability to share imaging easily and quickly allows patients and radiologists access to other radiologists as well as specialists. It also facilitates simple communication between physician and radiologist. Working with our healthcare partners, we enable rapid image sharing with community medical centres, hospitals, and private health centres.

Teleradiology at Vision XRAY

At Vision XRAY we use the RRRA (Remote Radiology Reporting Australia) system of teleradiology. RRRA was the first teleradiology practice in Australia, founded in 2001 and expanding ever since. We have 8 certified teleradiologists at Vision, and they prepare and handle imagery from MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, cone beam CT, dental x-ray, and chiropractic x-ray, among others. In most cases, images are transmitted within a timeframe of 24 hours–faster during emergency or urgent circumstances.

Technologically speaking, the RRRA teleradiology system is very advanced. Information is shared via a secure PACS system using Wide Area Network (WAN) and broadband as well as wireless options. A VPN as well as other protective measures ensures security and confidentiality of transmitted data. The IT infrastructure is strong and expertly-managed; in the case of any outages or errors, the system is supported by multiple servers, data backups, and other fail-safe mechanisms to keep the program up and running. At Vision XRAY, our teleradiologists have dedicated workstations for sending and receiving imagery, equipped with state of the art technology.

Practical Applications and Benefits

Thirty or so years ago, technology necessitated that radiologists physically be present when their expertise was needed. Teleradiology has vastly altered the process for analysis and diagnostic of medical imaging; radiology remains at the forefront of ‘telemedicine’ or medical care provided remotely or across several locations. The use of teleradiology allows radiologists to communicate clearly and easily with hospitals, physicians, surgeons, and more. This has certainly changed radiology practices, allowing radiologists to work effectively in various locations and streamlining and improving the process for patients.

As a patient at Vision XRAY, we may use teleradiology as an effective tool in your diagnosis and treatment. Communication with doctors, hospitals, and radiologists is better facilitated through the use of this premier technology and you can feel confident that Vision XRAY is committed to continuing to use the best available technology and practices available.