TELERADIOLOGY AND TELEMEDICINE

This article provides a historical perspective as well as an update on the current state of teleradiology and telemedicine in the United Sta tes. Technical implementation issues are discussed and enabling techno logies are described. Considerations that impact network design are ou tlined including data transmission, data compression, applicable stand ards, and bandwidth requirements. Reimbursement, medicolegal, Licensur e, and regulatory issues related to the delivery of teleradiology and other telemedicine services are reviewed. Insight is provided into the role of teleradiology and telemedicine in a changing health care envi ronment.