Teleradiology: an evaluation of a microcomputer-based system.

A laboratory evaluation of a microcomputer-based teleradiology system is described. The system used state-of-the-art hardware, and provided for contrast and brightness control by the consulting radiologists. The transmitted, digitized images were compared with conventional radiographs. The radiologists' scores for findings, impressions, and confidence levels were significantly lower for radiographic images viewed on the teleradiology system. However, the quality of the images provided by the teleradiology system was high enough to warrant further study, especially since microcomputer-based teleradiology offers the advantage of providing access to radiology services for rural areas and small hospitals.