Siemens-backed teleradiology company launches global coronavirus screening program
Global teleradiology and telemedicine company USARad has launched a new screening program that connects radiologists to providers on the front-lines of the coronavirus outbreak, according to a Wednesday announcement.
As part of the program, the Siemens Healthineers-backed firm will make available a network of chest CT-trained imaging experts, along with pulmonologists and infectious disease specialists, to help clinicians diagnose the novel coronavirus.
Numerous studies have shown the modality’s key role in identifying the virus, including its ability to spot lung abnormalities, such as ground-glass opacities, “crazy-paving” patterns and the absence of specific findings.
Medical Diagnostic Web—a blockchain-powered radiologist marketplace—is also partnering on the project to help connect hundreds of imaging experts together from across the globe. Providers participating in this new teleradiology program can upload images from suspected COVID-19 exams into an “intuitive online service.” CT-trained experts will be available around-the-clock to interpret these images.
According to the announcement, the project will soon deploy AI algorithms as decision support tools to help physicians manage their growing imaging case loads.
And as part of USARad’s long-term approach to this epidemic, the Oakland Park, Florida-based company has partnered with Israel-based Nanox Imaging to help bring the latter’s mobile imaging systems to high-risk areas in hopes of establishing preventative screening for COVID-19 outbreaks and similar epidemics.
“USARad together with its strategic partners, MDW and Nanox, is available to help patients worldwide during the current COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging the latest science and technology,” CEO and founder of USARad, Michael Yuz, MD, said in a statement. “We are doing everything possible to reduce panic, bringing the peace of mind to millions of patients worldwide.”
The most recent figures tally more than 120,000 confirmed cases of the virus globally, with 4,373 deaths. More than 66,000 individuals have recovered from illness.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.