'Virtual' radiology ensures faster diagnosis
Hospitals and clinics in Australia's remotest areas now benefit from the latest in diagnostic medical imaging thanks to a $1.2 million virtual private network (VPN) currently being rolled out by Optus and national medical imaging company I-Med.
The VPN connects hospitals and clinics, enabling them to transmit digital 3D radiology images within a secure and managed Internet-based network. A virtual network is more cost effective than a traditional network, as users do not have to pay to own or lease dedicated lines, but can be connected wherever there is an Internet connection.
Radiologists based in major medical centres throughout Australia are able to view digital 3D images from rural hospitals and respond with a diagnosis to medical staff online - a process described as teleradiology.
"With 1.5MB per second transmission and data prioritising capability, massive radiological images can be transmitted quickly over the Optus network without impacting the performance for other users and applications," Rob Parcell, director of Optus' Corporate Business Division said.
CT scans using the latest equipment are complex and can be made up of up to 1400 separate images. These images can then be combined to create digital 3D models, which are rotated or viewed as a "virtual fly through" of body structures and organs for faster and more accurate diagnosis.
"A patient isn't just one x-ray. Modern radiology takes into account the whole patient and requires integration of multiple diagnostic modalities," said Dr Andrew Lawrence a radiologist with Wagga Medical Imaging and director of I-Med.
"Teleradiology over a VPN will have an immediate impact on patient care as digital X-rays and three dimensional CT scans can be transmitted in minutes. For smaller and regional practices that do not have onsite radiologists, this will save precious time, eliminating the need to courier X-ray film or transport patients," said Dr Paul Davis, co-chairman, I-Med.
Already 39 clinics are connected to the I-Med VPN with plans to extend to 110 sites throughout Australia. In addition, dial up connections have been provided to 33 locations nationally to service mobile doctors.
Hosted at Optus' Sydney data centre, the VPN is monitored 24 hours a day, ensuring remedial action is taken within five minutes if a fault occurs anywhere in Australia.
Mr Parcell said Optus is pleased to provide I-Med with a fully managed, secure VPN that is scalable to the emerging teleradiology needs of Australia's doctors and health consumers.
Notes to editors: A VPN is a private data network that makes use of the public telecommunication infrastructure, maintaining privacy through the use of a tunnelling protocol and security procedures.
Since launching its first VPN services in 1998, Optus has rapidly grown its IP-VPN business to 100 plus major corporate and government clients, including the ATO, Ford and Westpac. At any time, Optus connects up to 20,000 business users across its IP backbone.
About I-Med
I-Med (owned 65% by listed Health Care Company DCA Group Ltd) is building a national network of diagnostic imaging practices in joint ventures with radiologists. The company was formed in August 2000 with an investment in Southernex Imaging Group, a major South East Queensland practice. To date nine other practices have joined the group growing annualised revenue of about $190 million per annum. Other practices include Dr Jones & Partners (SA, NT, regional NSW and regional Vic.), Border Medical Imaging (regional NSW & Vic.), Wagga Medical Imaging (regional NSW), Northern Imaging Group (Tas.), Gippsland Diagnostic Services (regional Vic.), Roger Burgess Imaging (northern NSW), Clarke & Robertson Radiology (SE Qld), Gold Coast Medical Imaging and Perth Radiological Clinic.
Media contact: Luisa Ford Optus Corporate Affairs Phone: +61 2 9342 7850
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