Teleradiology: the practice of radiology enters Cyberspace

Teleradiology refers to the use of computers and electronic communication networks to transmit diagnostic images acquired at one location to another location for review and interpretation. The use of teleradiology has grown tremendously during the past few years. Many of the early problems with teleradiology are being resolved by the rapid advances taking place in telecommunications and computer technologies, while changes in health care economics are driving the need to establish cost-effective and efficient communications links between rural and urban health care providers and tertiary care specialists. Effective arguments can be made both for and against the role of teleradiology in improving patient care. These arguments, as well as an overview of the impact of teleradiology on the the practice of radiology, are discussed in this article.