An image processing and management system for radiology with telemedicine services

The morphology of Greece has a significant effect on the structure and operational characteristics of the Creek health care system. The remote location of many rural health care centers and the concentration of major hospitals in the few big cities have an effect on both the quality and availability of health care that is provided. We are developing a strategic plan that would allow hospitals and health care centers across Greece to exchange medical data in digital form and have access to telemedicine and teleconsulting facilities. Two pilot networks have been implemented. The first network is designed to allow for telemedicine and teleconsulting services in the island of Evia. The second pilot network is an Image Management and Communications Systems (IMAC) and was implemented in the Onassio Hospital in Athens. Results of the pilot demonstrators were evaluated and have been very promising for a scaled-up implementation of this pilot project. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.