Joe Neal Lacy MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Randy Devereux Ernst MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gregory Chaljub MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Aytekin Oto MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To describe the implementation of teleradiology to interpret offsite imaging center MRIs to meet the educational and financial needs of an academic radiology department in a state supported institution during state budget cut backs.

Implementation of a commercial teleradiology venture was established directly connecting image sources to reading workstations via secure dedicated T1 lines. MSK MRI volume interpreted and related departmental financial data before and after implementation of teleradiology are compared. Practice management issues are addressed in a problem, analysis and solution format. Resident evaluations were reviewed as a measure of resident confidence in reading these studies.

Proactive recruitment of sources for MRI studies successfully increased MRI workload to fulfill expected demands for appropriate residency training and lead to the formation of a new resident training MSK MRI rotation. Residents reported increased confidence levels with reading MSK MRI exams. Extrinsic MSK MRI load more than doubled the total volume in the first full year (intrinsic volume = 1077; extrinsic volume = 1654) and extrinsic volume currently exceeds intrinsic volume by 296% (intrinsic volume = 605; extrinsic volume = 1790) halfway through the current fiscal year. Implementation required no additional full time employees (FTE). Teleradiology revenues constitute 3% of total budgeted departmental revenue in the prior fiscal year but are projected to exceed 10% of the total budgeted departmental revenue this fiscal year. Furthermore although departmental adjusted collection rates approximate 75%, collection rate for teleradiology is 100%. The increased related MRI revenue significantly increased departmental budgeted revenues in a time of institutional wide budget cuts thus preventing any decrease in radiological services offered.

Practical implementation of teleradiology created solutions for inadequate MSK MRI volumes improving resident education and provided new revenue sources effectively preventing departmental budget cuts. The result was improved resident clinical training in MRI interpretation and enhanced departmental financial outlook.

Lacy, J, Ernst, R, Chaljub, G, Oto, A, Commercial Teleradiology Interpretation of Musculoskeletal (MSK) MRI Studies: Educational and Financial Rewards for an Academic Radiology Department.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4405007.html