What is Teleradiology?

 Teleradiology refers to the practice of radiologist who interprets medical images when they are not actually in the area where the images are produced. Hospitals, mobile phone companies, emergency care centers and other private channels use teleradiology. The main idea after the use of teleradiology is that it is expensive to have a radiologist on site. Costs usually start at about $ 1,500 a day. On the other hand, using the teleradiology service allows you to pay on the basis of each test, and sometimes the cost is as low as $ 8 per test. In facilities that require 24/7 facilities, or those with a small number of radiology patients, they can provide significant savings.

Patient care is enhanced by teleradiology by making it possible for radiologist specialists to provide their services without having to be in the same position as a patient. That is especially important whenever a junior specialist such as a musculoskeletal radiologist, pediatric radiologist, neuroradiologist, or MRI radiologist is needed, as these workers often work in large areas of the city during the day. However, teleradiology facilitates access to trained professionals 24/7 times.

To better explain what teleradiology is, a good place to start is to define radiology first. Radiology is a type of imaging technique that doctors use to take pictures of the inner part of the body. This is usually for treatment or diagnosis. Ultrasound, MRIs and x-rays are examples.

Now we can add the "tele" prefix to radiology. Consider the term “telephone,” which refers to a device that allows you to call someone from a different location. When used in teleradiology, it means that images are sent to a different place. Photographs and photographic studies are sent to doctors in a different location than when these photographs were taken.

Until recently, teleradiology was used only in emergencies. Yes, with the advent of the internet, the trend began to spread rapidly. It's as easy to send photos as it is with email attachments. There are now computer programs dedicated specifically to transmitting radiological images. These changes are leading to teleradiology becoming an important medical practice, and it continues to grow in importance.

The doctor may want to use teleradiology to collaborate and consult with other doctors in other areas that he would not be able to do without expertise. It is helpful in diagnosing, and it is often helpful in getting a second opinion and helping to control symptoms. Most of the time, it may be the first impression as there may not be a radiologist available at the hospital.

Another common occurrence is the patient entering the emergency room. However, smaller hospitals can use only one radiologist. Teleradiology makes it possible for images taken by ER teams to be examined by a radiologist in a different area. This is especially helpful in rural areas.

The great thing about teleradiology is that a trained radiologist can read certain images and discover life-saving materials. If the untrained eye looks at the pictures this is not always the case. Ultrasound showing poor growth may mean nothing to the untrained eye. However, it can show cancer to a trained radiologist. Teleradiology is the difference between a patient receiving the treatment a person needs, or getting out of the hospital without a treatment plan.

All of this sounds good, and in some cases it can save lives. However, like everything else, a habit can have its downsides. There is only so much a radiologist can do with photography. Usually the doctor will follow the procedures. With teleradiology, however, the radiologist receives only images and does not require the patient to perform any additional tests. That means the doctor will need to pass on his or her knowledge to the local doctors. That can lead to poor communication and confusion.

Another obvious drawback in teleradiology is that it relies on technology. Teleradiology is impossible without technology. For example, if the Internet is down in the hospital, teleradiology will not be able to use it. This may result in delays in diagnosis and treatment.