Teleradiology and the Compensation Conundrum in India

Cureus. 2023 Dec 30;15(12):e51342. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51342. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Teleradiology, an established telemedicine practice globally, has significantly enhanced the accessibility of high-quality radiological interpretations in remote areas worldwide, especially in India, thereby improving healthcare outcomes. The utilization of teleradiology services has seen a marked increase, expanding its reach into more distant regions of the country. However, this burgeoning field faces numerous regulatory, financial, and technical challenges. The current scenario regarding teleradiology in India is a double-edged sword. There is an increasing demand for it due to the expanding population, resulting in larger imaging volumes needing radiologist services. This editorial aims to examine the prevailing challenges in teleradiology in India, with an emphasis on the compensation model for teleradiologists, which has not kept pace with the growing demand for services and often remains inequitable.

Keywords: compensation; digital imaging; healthcare outcomes; radiologist workload; teleradiology.

Publication types

  • Editorial