NCJ Number
174909
Journal
American Jails Volume: 11 Issue: 5 Dated: November/December 1997 Pages: 76-79
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Since it is costly and sometimes risky to transport inmates to public health-care facilities, jail and prison systems are evaluating the technology of new methods of care that eliminate the need to transport the inmate-patient.
Abstract
Teleradiology is one of the most promising systems, because it combines conventional radiology exams with digital transmission and display technology. With teleradiology, radiographs (X-rays) taken onsite are scanned by a film digitizer, which digitizes the image. The digital image is then transmitted to a remote facility for diagnosis. Radiologists at the remote facility review the image on a high-resolution monitor specifically designed for primary diagnosis, or print the digital image back onto film for review on a conventional viewbox. Many larger correctional facilities already perform onsite radiographs for both TB screening and acute care. For facilities with 20 to 40 exams a day, teleradiology is a logical extension, because minimal incremental expenses are required. In fact, each facility can add the required film digitizer for approximately $50,000. The only other expense is the ISDN or T1 line for telecommunication. For most correctional facilities, the lower cost ISDN is adequate and can transmit a low-level compression of an average radiograph in 12 to 15 minutes. Teleradiology is not the only method of moving images, however. Computed radiography (CR) is a method that combines digital capture with remote diagnosis. CR is an attractive alternative to film for correctional facilities because of its ability to reduce retakes and eliminate film processing. The investment required for a CR system, however, is more than double the price of a conventional film-based radiography system. Further technological developments and corresponding drops in price may bring CR within range of more correctional budgets.