Teleradiology
The electronic transmission of medical images such as X-rays, CT, and MRI scans to remote radiologists for interpretation. It enables timely reads across sites and time zones, and involves distinct professional billing for the interpreting physician.
What is teleradiology?
Teleradiology is the electronic transmission of medical images, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, to a radiologist at another location for interpretation. The images are sent securely so that the reading physician can review them and report findings remotely.
It allows a facility to obtain expert image interpretation without an on-site radiologist for every shift or subspecialty. Reads can be routed across sites and time zones to match availability and expertise.
Why does teleradiology matter?
Teleradiology enables timely image interpretation around the clock, including overnight and emergency reads that a single facility could not staff on its own. It also gives smaller sites access to subspecialty expertise for complex studies.
The interpreting radiologist bills separately for the professional component of the read, distinct from the technical component of acquiring the image. Clear attribution of who performed the interpretation supports accurate professional billing.
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