Strategic uses of teleradiology.

The most frequently cited benefits of image communications systems (teleradiology) are: (1) a reduction in the travel time of radiologists, and (2) an improvement in access to services, especially in rural areas. The benefits of teleradiology services for hospitals are, however, potentially much greater. Teleradiology services could alter the competitive positions of organizations in the market for imaging services and change the nature of the competition. In this article we examine how a small community hospital and a large referral hospital might each use teleradiology strategically to improve their respective competitive positions.