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Healthcare IT is changing the practice of medicine. Electronic medical records, Clinical Decision support systems and CPOE are a few applications which have helped clinical medicine to streamline and be more accurate and effective. But if there are two branches which can use IT to completely overhaul and drastically improve efficiency, its Radiology and Pathology.

I was tempted to read this article,   though the headlines(COMMODITIZATION of medicine) don't appeal to the Human rights aspect of my personality. I find the choice of word very cynical and it brings to question the motives of the author. But the services he describes are definitely noteworthy.

I believe the author talks about providing the best radiology service in the most cost-effective manner. Looked at it this way, the services provided by Nighthawk teleradiology services is a boon for patients.It has the potential for bringing down the costs of healthcare. Any measure taken to reduce health costs will benefit the patient, even if the healthcare is being provided via third party ( Insurance) paying for the service.

Telerays.com is a new service allowing bidding for radiology services. You can understand more about the process here.

Since radiology involves interpretation of digital images, it makes real sense to get the best doctors at the best prices (wherever they may be) by making good use of technology.. Simple economics here. And, i dont think quality will really suffer. After a few possible initial hiccups and pruning out of "sub-standard" opiners, I am sure only quality work will prevail.Quality radiologists will always get work, wherever they are. Teleradiology services now being woven into this kind of business model shall definitely be a positive step towards health rights.After all, "TIMELY, best possible quality healthcare for all without discrimination" is what health rights is all about, in essence.

Wonder when will a chunk of pathology services go this way. Very soon, i believe.

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