Improved teleradiology reporting using fax software.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In an effort to expedite after-hours teleradiology reports in an efficient and accurate manner with minimal usage of manpower, we have for the past 4 years used commercially available fax software running on a laptop computer placed beside the home-based teleradiology system. The software and laptop combination allows the radiologist to make a report rapidly by typing brief sentences in a fillable field or by selecting an applicable pretyped report from a menu. The report is then electronically faxed to single or multiple sites with a single mouse click. CONCLUSION: The system has drastically reduced the number of telephone calls between technologists and teleradiologists and has been well received by both technologists and emergency department staff and referring physicians.