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Abstract:
Advances in healthcare information technology have enabled new models for electronic delivery of healthcare services. In this paper, we present the case of electronic delivery of radiological services and describe the market-based and technological factors that have led to the development of internet-based service models for flexible delivery of radiological services. Specifically, we describe the technical, regulatory and security issues that affect teleradiology, and propose a service delivery model for providing cost-effective and flexible radiological services.

Healthcare E-Commerce, Teleradiology, Telemedicine, Medical Services Outsourcing

Abstract:
The healthcare industry is being impacted by advances in information technology in four major ways: first, a broad spectrum of tasks that were previously done manually can now be done by computers faster, better, and at lower costs; second, some tasks can be outsourced to other countries using inexpensive communications technology; third, detailed analysis of longitudinal and societal healthcare data can now be analyzed in acceptable periods of time; and fourth, the best medical expertise can be made available to patients without the need to physically transport the patient to the doctor or vice versa. Still, there are many healthcare situations in which face-to-face interaction is the only practical way to render medical assistance. After considering a number of healthcare scenarios in which one or more of the co-authors were involved, this paper concludes that healthcare will increasingly use a portfolio approach comprised of three closely-coordinated components seamlessly interwoven together: healthcare tasks performed by humans on-site; healthcare tasks performed by humans off-site, including tasks performed in other countries; and healthcare tasks performed by computers without direct human involvement. This three-pronged approach will lead to better healthcare services at the most cost-economic rates; further, it will gradually incorporate some of the principles of the 24-Hour Knowledge Factory framework. Organizations that impede or otherwise restrict the use of this multifaceted approach will see higher healthcare costs, and will gradually become less competitive in the global marketplace, as is happening with non-adapting organizations in several other sectors of the economy. Finally, this paper deals with intellectual property and legal aspects related to the proposed three-pronged healthcare services paradigm.

Healthcare Outsourcing, Healthcare Offshoring, Offshore Outsourcing, 24-Hour Knowledge Factory, Medical Outsourcing

Abstract:
Teleradiology refers to the electronic transmission of radiological images, such as X-rays, Computed Tomograms (CT's), and Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI's) across geographical locations for the purposes of interpretation and consultation. The digital radiological images are typically transmitted using standard telephone lines, satellite connections, or wide area networks (WANs). Teleradiology is an empowering technology and a facilitator for enhanced medical care. Teleradiology enables a single radiologist to simultaneously provide services to several hospitals independent of their location and also allows the exploitation of global time differences to provide emergency night coverage by personnel in a different time zone working a day shift. Additionally, the quality of care delivered by a wide awake, alert physician working a day shift is far superior to that provided by a radiologist who is up all night. Subspecialty opinions delivered to locations where the expertise is otherwise unavailable are an added benefit. In this paper, we describe the current state-of-art in teleradiology, the benefits of the clinical practice of teleradiology, and the technical, regulatory and security issues related to teleradiology. We begin by providing a historical background describing the evolution of global teleradiology.

Internet, Health Care

Abstract:
An imaging protocol with a multi-slice CT scanner that allows comprehensive assessment of patients with haematuria is described. This protocol allows evaluation of the kidneys, ureters and bladder in a single examination using CT. This approach should streamline the diagnostic work-up of patients with haematuria.