Telemedicine is entering radiology as well and is helping address the long-standing shortage of radiologic technologists. Thanks to remote scanning, an expert can control a device at another site and share their know-how in real time. The result is shorter wait times, higher image quality, and more satisfied staff and patients.
How remote scanning works
In routine scanning, the local staff member has their hands full: patient registration, instructions, administering contrast, selecting the protocol, and monitoring during the exam. If a more complex case arises and no expert is on site, the exam may be postponed or the image quality may be lower. With remote scanning, a specialist securely connects to the scanner—who may be in another hospital or at home—and takes over the technical operation of the exam, while the local team focuses on the patient and their safety.
The expert’s workstation consists of a communication panel with chat and calls and several "slots" for connecting to multiple modalities at different locations. Cameras provide an overview of the situation at the scanner—typically aimed at the patient and at the contrast agent monitor. This allows the specialist to set the optimal protocol, adjust parameters in real time, and maintain consistent image quality. At the same time, they can oversee multiple exams at once without the distractions of the workplace.
Real-world experience: quality, training, benefits
A university hospital in Germany has used remote scanning since 2018 and has already performed more than 40 000 examinations. Thanks to daily contact with experts, the time to train new staff has been reduced by approximately 40 percent. Staff satisfaction has increased, as experts can schedule shifts more flexibly and work from home, while the local team learns and grows professionally. Patients get earlier appointments and more attention during the exam.
A hospital network in Florida interconnected 11 sites and manages complex examinations—for example, pediatric cardiology—from a central cockpit. Consistent procedures have led to a 38 percent increase in revenue from cardiology exams, reduced costs for transporting patients, and a drop in the need to scan outside the main hospital from 40 percent to zero. Another site in Pennsylvania uses the solution for centralized management of MRI protocols across the entire fleet. The common denominator is higher quality, better use of capacity, and more accessible care.
