Teleradiology can be defined as the radiology practice of interpreting medical images in a remote location, with no physical presence. Numerous healthcare establishments such as hospitals, urgent care facilities, mobile imaging companies, and more private practices use teleradiology.
The on-site presence of a radiologist is expensive, which is why teleradiology is introduced. Usually, the per day cost of the radiologist is around $1500 per day. While the teleradiology costs per examination are as low as $8 per exam.
The 24-hour functional facilities with a small volume of patients requiring radiology services can make huge savings by introducing teleradiology.
Teleradiology improves patient care by enabling radiologists to offer their services without their requirement for physical presence at the same location as the patient.
A doctor may need to use teleradiology to effectively collaborate with other healthcare professionals remotely, and that might not be possible without this technology. Teleradiology provides support in diagnosis and quickly helps in getting a second opinion as well as assistance with symptom control.
The teleradiology industry has garnered $7,145.0 million revenue in 2021, and it is projected to generate $25,631.2 million revenue, advancing at a rate of 17% in the coming years. It is ascribed to the rising number of advanced imaging procedures, and growing nighthawk and specialty modalities demand.
Teleradiology is telemedicine, that involves the transmission of radiological scans through telecommunication systems, from one site to another, to physicians, and radiologists for diagnosis and consultation. The U.S. will experience a shortage of around 122,000 physicians by the year 2032. That is why teleradiology services are garnering popularity.
In addition, more than 3,600 million diagnostic radiological examinations are performed across the world, according to WHO. It is projected to propel the industry in the coming years. Moreover, the growing incidences of chronic disorders, including cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and cardiovascular diseases fuel the industry's growth.
The global pandemic has caused a positive impact on the industry. It has resulted in a tremendous rise in the services, with the skyrocketing volume of chest X-rays and CT scans.
Moreover, social distancing has boosted virtual consultations, coupled with teleradiology. Diagnostic imaging has gone through a significant rise over the last decade, due to increasing medical costs and a better understanding of human anatomy with the ionizing radiation application.
Furthermore, the burgeoning demand for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), and various other imaging procedures demand from clinicians, and physicians led by technological advancements and favorable reimbursement scenarios has reduced the costs for scans.
Therefore, teleradiology holds great prominence in providing radiology services in remote areas without any requirement for the physical presence of a radiologist.
