Teleradiology Workflow Component for Radiologist Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiology processing systems face complexity in assigning, transferring, and reviewing radiology orders and data in teleradiology settings, where radiologists are geographically dispersed, and there is a need for efficient workflow management, billing, and radiologist compensation.
Innovation Solution
A radiology processing system that integrates various components for image processing, order processing, data processing, and workflow management, including a workflow component that assigns orders to qualified radiologists based on licensing, credentialing, and facility preferences, along with features for billing, compensation tracking, and secure access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radiology orders and images are transmitted to a centralized radiology department at the hospital, then the workflow is simple and manageable, but the system cannot support teleradiology settings where radiologists are geographically dispersed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an order server as an intermediary component that mediates between the image server and radiologists. The order server receives orders from the image server, manages the workflow, and distributes images to appropriate radiologists. This intermediary structure enables the system to handle both centralized hospital radiology and distributed teleradiology settings without increasing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed routing system is used where all images and orders are transmitted to a set of doctors at the same hospital, then the assignment process is straightforward, but the system lacks flexibility for remote radiologist assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic assignment mechanism where the order server can flexibly route images to different radiologists based on various criteria including geographic location, specialty, availability, and facility preferences. This dynamic routing capability allows the system to adapt to both fixed hospital-based workflows and flexible teleradiology arrangements, maintaining ease of operation while enhancing adaptability.
3Productivity
If multiple components are integrated for workflow management, billing, and compensation tracking, then the system provides comprehensive functionality, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into an integrated system. The order server merges workflow management, billing coordination, and compensation tracking functions into a single centralized component. The image server integrates image storage, transmission, and order management capabilities. This merging approach provides comprehensive functionality while managing complexity through unified architecture rather than multiple separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A teleradiology image processing system configured to receive, process, and transmit radiology read requests and digital radiology image data is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a radiology processing system includes a series of processing components configured to receive digital radiology data from a medical provider, extract relevant information and radiology scan images from the digital radiology data, and initiate and control a workflow with a qualified remote radiologist who ultimately performs a read of the radiology scan images. Further embodiments also facilitate data processing within the image processing system in response to medical facility rules and preferences; translation or conversion of digital images to other formats; compilation of patient and medical facility data obtained from the digital radiology data into medical records or data stores; assignment of radiology studies within a teleradiology workflow in response to licensing and credentialing rules; and billing functions in response to completed reads by the remote radiologist.