Teleradiology is the transmission of radiological patient images, such as x-rays, CTs, and MRIs, from one location to another for the purpose of sharing images with other radiologists and physicians. Tele radiology is growing approximately 15% annually vs. a 2% increase for radiologists.

Teleradiology improves patient care by allowing Radiologists to provide services without actually having to be at the location of the patient. This is particularly important when a sub-specialist such as a MRI Radiologist, Neuroradiologist, Pediatric Radiologist, or Musculoskeletal Radiologist is needed, since these professionals are generally only located in large metropolitan areas working during day time hours. Teleradiology allows for trained specialists to be available 24/7.
Tele-radiology is a means of electronically transmitting radiographic images and text from one location to another using Information and Communication Technology for the purpose of interpretation and consultation. Tele-radiology system consists of at least three major components:

1. An image sending station
2. A transmission network
3. A receiving/image review station

There are three categories of image digitizers used for tele-radiology purposes.

1.TV camera digitizers, ("low-end" products)
2.Charged Coupled Device (CCD) scanner digitizers ("middle of the line" products)
3.Laser scanner digitizers ("top-of-the-line" products)

All three film digitizers perform the same basic function: the equipment operator inputs the radiological film to the scanner which converts the analog image of the film to digital information. The main differences among digitizers are quality of image resolution, ease of use and cost. Once the film digitizer has converted the image to a digital format, the data is sent to the modem upon command of the equipment operator. The modem is the control device which converts digital data into electrical impulses that are sent along the transmission network.