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Technological Lag of Digitization for Patient Image Transfer
Milin Patel1, Helen Piltner2, Geraldine B McGinty3
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada (M.P.).
Academic Radiology
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Most U.S. hospitals still use compact discs (CDs) for medical image transfer, hindering digital health progress. Transitioning to secure digital platforms is crucial for efficient and accessible patient care.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Informatics
- Medical Imaging Technology
- Health Information Management
Background:
- Healthcare digitization is advancing, yet medical image transfer often relies on outdated physical media like compact discs (CDs).
- This reliance on CDs presents challenges for efficiency, security, and continuity of care in modern healthcare systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current medical image transfer practices in major U.S. hospitals.
- To characterize the prevalence of compact disc (CD) use versus digital platforms for medical image exchange.
Main Methods:
- A survey of the largest hospital institutions in each U.S. state was conducted.
- Hospital websites were analyzed to categorize image transfer methods: routine CD use, transition to digital, phasing out CDs, or no CD use.
Main Results:
- 72% of surveyed institutions routinely use CDs for medical image transfer.
- Only 12% are actively phasing out CDs, and none have completely eliminated their use.
- Alternative physical media like USB drives are not routine methods.
Conclusions:
- The continued widespread use of CDs for medical image transfer highlights a significant barrier to digital health advancement.
- Prioritizing secure and accessible digital image transfer is essential for improving healthcare efficiency, patient autonomy, data security, and continuity of care.
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