How MSKIC Teleradiology Can Make Your Life Easier

Teleradiology is the interpretation of medical imaging studies at a site remote from where they were initially acquired. Most x-rays and imaging studies including MRI examinations are digital images that can be conveyed across the Internet to a radiologist geographically removed from the site of image acquisition. This technology was initially originated by the US military to allow their stateside radiologists to interpret imaging studies from Iraq and Europe during Desert Storm. The same technology can be utilized to provide expert subspecialty radiology interpretations to facilities that may not normally have access to on-site radiologists that have the expertise found at MSKIC. Musculoskeletal Imaging Consultants has leveraged technology to maintain that close collegial relationship that exists between the physician and his radiologist using online, real-time, consultation sessions. (MSKIC specializes in orthopedic imaging and spine imaging and know exactly what questions need to be answered and are familiar with these surgical procedures and nuances of description musculoskeletal diseases. Most of our clients are orthopedic surgeons, spine surgeons, chiropractors, podiatrists, and sports medicine physicians. We are familiar with orthopedic MRI and spine MRI imaging technologies including in-office MRI, Stand-up MRI, and open MRI technologies. We can be helpful in designing or modifying imaging protocols to meet the needs of our clients.

After images are acquired, they are transmitted to the MSKIC server over a secure network using a firewall protected VPN or TLS (secure DICOM) connection using a fiber optic connection. The MSKIC server collates the current study with any pertinent prior studies. MSKIC uses eRAD PACS technology (see video) because of its ability to receive images and reports from variety of proprietary PACs systems that cannot communicate directly between themselves. In this way, MSKIC can receive studies that a patient have been obtained at multiple imaging centers and collate them into a single listing on the server for review by the patient's doctor. Using eRAD software, your MSKIC radiologist reviews the images and uses voice recognition technology to produce finalized report for your review within a few minutes. The images and the finalized report are immediately available to you using a password-protected Web interface. If you have a question, you can request an online consultation with the MSKIC radiologist and within a few minutes, you are reviewing the images together with your radiologist online. In many cases, this is done while you sitting in the exam room with your patient.

Teleradiology provides access to experts in the field of musculoskeletal imaging at sites where there is limited local access to this level of expertise. Musculoskeletal Imaging Consultants recognizes the importance of close relationships between referring physicians in their radiologists. MSKIC has leveraged technology to personalize the experience for doctors and patients alike. Take a look at our videos and see how the San Antonio Spurs team doctor uses MSKIC completing MRI and have a signed report to her view with patient all within an hour. Another video showed how a spine surgeon was able to have his question of anatomy answered during an online session with MSKIC while in the operating room and allowed him to complete the surgical procedure safely as a result of the consultation. In another incident, a radiologist at an imaging center was able to address the question to MSK while the patient was still in the MRI scanner and the additional needed images could be obtained while the patient was still on the MRI scanner and thus avoiding unnecessary second trip. Call MSKIC today and see how we can help you with your orthopedic or spine MRI imaging needs.