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¶Ù±ð³¦±ð³¾²ú±ð°ùÌý5, 2017

The Future of Radiology

Author Affiliations
  • 1John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, California
JAMA. 2017;318(21):2141-2142. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.16663

To the Editor In the A Piece of My Mind article,1 Dr Hise mourned the passing of the era before digital imaging systems, a time remembered fondly for the face-to-face interactions between radiologists and referring physicians that allowed exchange of information that significantly enhanced radiologic report quality. I have lived through the same transformation but come to an entirely opposite conclusion. Although it is true that clinicians rarely come to the radiology department, the explosion of powerful communication tools available today is superior to the old ways of communicating before cell phones, text messages, or internet chat tools. Now it is much easier to connect with clinical colleagues, and when conferring, clinicians and radiologist can be looking at the same image at the same time. With digital dictation, I can easily place a report in draft status and resume when the clinician responds at his or her convenience. In addition, the electronic health record (EHR) has transformed radiology. When I read a diagnostic study, I quickly scan notes from the emergency department physician, selected consultants, or past admissions. I can see recent laboratory values, pathology results, and all the previous imaging reports. My workflow now includes a step in which within 10 to 60 seconds—depending on case complexity—I have a trove of information to help focus my reporting. Furthermore, I can instantly refresh my knowledge with a quick internet search. When I do connect with a clinician to communicate a result or to clarify an order, the bolus of clinical information from the EHR makes that interaction richer and more efficient for both of us. When I look at the advent of PACS, there is no mourning here. Instead I thank the many engineers who have built these amazing systems of interphysician communication, image sharing, clinical data sharing, and online research. The reports generated in my practice are better than ever and patient care is improved.

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