The Big Picture:Teleradiology must bolster relationshipsBy Erik L. Ridley, EditorWhen teleradiology services provider TeleQuest was launched in 1994, it appeared to have all the necessary ingredients for market success. By signing on with
By Erik L. Ridley, Editor
When teleradiology services provider TeleQuest was launched in 1994, it appeared to have all the necessary ingredients for market success. By signing on with TeleQuest, hospitals and imaging centers could access subspecialty expertise via teleradiology at some of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.
The concept sounded like a sure winner, but it hasnt been the runaway hit some market pundits and early TeleQuest executives predicted. Local radiologists were understandably not thrilled about the prospect of losing lucrative reading responsibilities, and some alleged that national teleradiology overread networks like TeleQuest were unethical.
TeleQuest is not without its fans, however. In fact, its oldest and largest client, Wendt-Bristol Health System, announced last month that it would acquire up to a 40% equity position in TeleQuest (see story, page 4). Wendt-Bristol cited its strong relationship as a key reason for its investment.
Wendt-Bristol will assume management of TeleQuest, and plans a sales and marketing shift toward smaller hospitals and imaging centers, as well as an expansion of its services. Its too early to tell, of course, if this strategy will pan out.
But one problem TeleQuest will need to overcome is the power of interpersonal relationships between radiologists and referring physicians. Despite the qualifications of the long-distance radiologists, many healthcare institutions remain reluctant to turn over reading responsibilities to radiologists they dont know and arent comfortable with.
Can CT-Based Deep Learning Bolster Prognostic Assessments of Ground-Glass Nodules?
June 19th 2025Emerging research shows that a multiple time-series deep learning model assessment of CT images provides 20 percent higher sensitivity than a delta radiomic model and 56 percent higher sensitivity than a clinical model for prognostic evaluation of ground-glass nodules.
FDA Clears Ultrasound AI Detection for Pleural Effusion and Consolidation
June 18th 2025The 14th FDA-cleared AI software embedded in the Exo Iris ultrasound device reportedly enables automated detection of key pulmonary findings that may facilitate detection of pneumonia and tuberculosis in seconds.