Teleradiology is the electronic transmission of diagnostic imaging studies from one location to another for the purpose of interpretation and/or consultation. Interpretation of all noninvasive imaging studies, such as digitized CT, MRI, ultrasound and sub specialty studies can be carried out.
For smaller hospitals in rural areas, which may employ only one radiologist or none at all, Teleradiology is an excellent time saving alternative
Teleradiology allows underserviced hospitals to have timely access to a radiologist, who function like being on-site. With the development of Picture Archive and Communication Systems (PACS) along with enterprise communication, teleradiology is now full part of the radiology life cycle.
Teleradiology improves patient care by allowing radiologists to provide their expertise without being present with the patient. This is particularly important when radiologist specialists (e.g. MRI radiologists, CT radiologists, Neuro-radiologists) are needed, since these professionals are generally only located in higher populated urban areas during daytime hours
Teleradiology provides a solution for medical professionals to collaborate when they are not otherwise able to. This can be an effective input for diagnosis and symptom control as it often helps with obtaining a second professional opinion