TELERADIOLOGY FOR REMOTE DIAGNOSIS - A PROSPECTIVE MULTIYEAR EVALUATION

Teleradiology has been used for nearly 3 years at our institution to p rovide urgent radiologic interpretations for two outpatient clinics an d an affiliated hospital. The purpose of this study was to evaluate th e clinical reliability of the existing system, Teleradiology images we re interpreted using 1600 x 1200 pixel display stations. The original films from the same cases were subsequently interpreted, usually by an other radiologist. The initial and final interpretations were compared . Discrepancies were rated and adjudicated by another senior radiologi st, These data were compared to peer review interobserver discrepancy rates. Among the 2688 teleradiology examinations evaluated, there were major discrepancies in 31 (1.15%). In three instances teleradiology r ather than film interpretation was considered correct. Abnormalities m issed on teleradiology were apparent in all but two at adjudication. A mong the 628 peer-review cases, there were 6 (0.96%) major discrepanci es, Major teleradiology discrepancy rates are statistically similar to film-based peer review discrepancy rates, Teleradiology is suitable f or providing radiologic services to remote medical facilities. Copyrig ht (C) 1997 by W.B. Saunders Company.