Remote real-time ultrasound interactive telediagnosis: putting it into practice

Teleradiology, the practice of radiology over a distance via electronic transmission of radiologic images, has the potential to fundamentally alter the practice of radiology in the years to come. Different models for the practice of teleradiology include on-call reading, consultation and overreading, primary-reading teleradiology, and integration with picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and miniPACS. Remote real-time ultrasound telediagnosis represents a specialized subset of primary-reading teleradiology, specifically designed to involve the radiologist directly with sonographer in the performance of the ultrasound examination. This type of practice involves rapid transmission of patient demographics and captured still images and live transmission of the real-time video output of the ultrasound machine. When utilized properly real-time telediagnosis extends the high standards of tertiary center sonographic diagnosis out to community and rural sites.