Teleradiology. Scope of Presentation. Thomas Ross, PhD, MBA, RP Department Administrator of Medical Imaging Banner Healthcare

Transcription

1 Teleradiology Thomas Ross, PhD, MBA, RP Department Administrator of Medical Imaging Banner Healthcare Scope of Presentation Definition Brief overview of teleradiology Future trends of teleradiology Barriers Advantages of teleradiology Disadvantages of teleradiology Public health impact 1

2 Definitions Telemedicine: the delivery of health care services over a distance in space and time Teleradiology: radiology performed through the remote transmission and viewing of images via electronic technology Overview of Teleradiology Teleradiology most prolific of technological and clinical applications Digital images from HIPAA compliant, modern radiology equipment over secure network, fast transmission via remote site for interpretation Cloud based storage 2

3 Future Trends of Teleradiology Multidiscipline approach, such as Telestroke Oversaturated market and competition due to supply and demand Mergers with large healthcare networks and healthcare delivery systems Urgent Care Centers, Bureau of Prison, Department of Homeland Security, DOD Future Trends of Teleradiology Improves workflow and efficiency, productivity, patient satisfaction, bends cost curve Improves relative value units Enhances economies of scale Leverages group compensation model Expand referral base through dictation process 3

4 Future Trends of Teleradiology Future Trends of Teleradiology 4

5 Future Trends of Teleradiology There are over 500 teleradiology companies of all sizes In a 2004 survey of 97 responding private hospitals 82% used teleradiology for nighttime coverage In 2007 an American College of Radiology (ACR) survey showed 44% of all radiology practices (45% of US radiologists) used external off-hours teleradiology services Barriers of Teleradiology Policy; Affordable Care Act versus American Healthcare Act, Credentialing and licensing Payers, pre authorization Malpractice 5

6 Barriers of Teleradiology Medicare and Medicaid laws require the interpreting radiologist to be on United States soil to qualify for reimbursement for final read. Advantages of Teleradiology After hours, weekend, holiday coverage Full or part time coverage for small, often, rural hospitals without in house radiologic coverage Full or part time coverage for clinics and other outpatient facilities without regular radiologic coverage Subspecialty radiologic coverage Cost is sometimes better than in house coverage 6

7 Advantages of Teleradiology DICOM digital imaging and communications in medicine DICOM industry standard for transferal of radiologic images and associated patient information HL7 standard for electronic interchange of clinical, financial, and administrative information Advantages of Teleradiology: Critical Findings Large pneumothorax Unexpected or large pulmonary Embolus New or unexpected stroke Unexpected or new mass Large or unexpected head bleed Large pericardial effusion Aortic dissection Unstable spine fractures Free intra-abdominal air 7

8 Advantages of Teleradiology: Critical Findings Advantages of Teleradiology: Critical Findings 8

9 Disadvantages of Teleradiology Rarely provides in-house coverage for procedures Interpreting radiologists are remote and may be difficult to reach for consultation Interpreting radiologists may not be familiar with local conditions and may not feel part of the local team Often little consistency in the daily coverage by individual radiologists Can be expensive if in-house coverage falls off in response to teleradiology coverage Public Health Impact of Teleradiology Improves access Improves quality Improves safety Mitigates socioeconomic and geographical barriers Reduces cost 9

10 Thank you! 10