10 years of experience with teleimaging in neurosurgical practice

The aim of the study was to analyze practical aspects of the teleimaging network. In 1996 in the Department of Neurosurgery Polish Academy of Sciences teleradiological network based on frame grabbing technology were applied. 1000 teleconsultions have been performed until 2005. In 2006 new system based on DICOM standard was introduced. The system connects 5 hospitals in the area of Mazovia and covers 2million people population. Utilized network has been operating on 24h/day and 7 days/week basis since December 1996 and after upgrade. Our experience revealed that local authorities should be involved in developing and maintaining of such systems. It helps to achieve better cooperation between hospitals and reduce global costs of the health service. In modern clinical practice teleimaging should be treated as a standard procedure.