We describe unique features and merits in our teleradiology system which is carried out in the reading room of radiology department in Asahikawa University Hospital. Our university is one of center hospitals supporting the regional medical service in Hokkaido. We also introduce our new trials in teleradiology to facilitate medical communications among each hospitals in the local area. Most services of teleradiology in Japan are carried out in private offices outside hospitals. Whereas, our service of teleradiology is provided in the reading room of the university hospital. This difference in system provides following several features: 1) images are assessed by radiologists in each subspeciality, 2) the results of reading are quickly provided, generally within a few hours, 3) a special fee for teleradiology is covered by public insurance in our system, since our hospital is authorized as an institute in which radiology service is controlled under radiologists with a speciality of diagnostic radiology. Two new trials are on going in our teleradiology system. The first is simultaneous utilization of TV meeting system which allows physicians to directly evaluate patient’s condition before transportation to the hospital. The second is discussion with surgeons on the images in teleradiology which allows us to determine the treatment policy before transportation of the patient. We think teleradiology service in the center hospital supports and facilitates communication of regional medical service.
キーワード
teleradiology,regional medical liaison,university hospital
