Remote consultation for computerized tomography and magnetic resonance studies by means of teleradiology—experience at the Singapore General Hospital

Abstract

A teleradiology link was established between Singapore General Hospital in Singapore and Stanford University in California, USA. Over eight months, a total of 28 cases (involving 27 magnetic resonance investigations and three computerized tomography scans) were transmitted by ISDN to California. Our initial experience with teleradiology for remote consultation was encouraging, although the data transmission cost was higher than we anticipated. However, costs could be reduced by using data compression. Long-distance telecommunication charges continue to fall, so intercontinental teleradiology of this type may be financially viable in future.