Creating real-time telebreast imaging that includes remote patient consults
Telebreast imaging is reshaped with faster turnaround times as a patient waits, followed by a live, virtual meeting with the patient to explain their findings. This helps improve care by eliminating waiting and giving patients the ability to discuss findings immediately with their provider and the radiologist.
This was discussed during a session at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2024 meeting. Health Imaging spoke with the presenter Arlene Sussman, MD, radiologist and medical director at vRad (Virtual Radiologic) about the new approach to mammography.
"We took the idea and ran with it about 10 years ago, understanding that digital breast imaging and telebreast imaging could very well be our future. We introduced something called 'live diagnostics' or 'virtual doctor's hours,' where radiologists read in real-time, as if I were sitting in the office down the hall, in the same amount of time it takes the technologist to come down the hall and show me the images. Those images are sent to me remotely. I read them live by live video streaming with the technologist and then I get to talk to the patients real-time," Sussman explained.
The system enables patients to speak face-to-face with a radiologist via secure video just minutes after their mammograms are completed. This allows immediate interpretation and discussion of results, including screening follow-ups and biopsy recommendations, which Sussman said helps with speed and personalized breast care.
This approach is proving especially valuable in rural clinics and underserved urban areas where recruiting radiologists remains a significant challenge. Whether it is a small facility without an on-site physician, or a busy metropolitan center facing long backlogs, she said this system fills the gap and can add flexibly into existing workflows.
The pandemic proved to be a turning point. Initially mammography screenings came to a halt, but vRad’s telebreast services surged once remote solutions became vital.
Sussman said patients have responded enthusiastically. Older patients were intrigued by the screen-based interaction, while younger ones embraced it as natural because digital interactions are already an integrated way of life for them.
“They felt very included in the newest technology,” said Sussman. “For them, it’s their world.”
A central component of the system is its hardware, which uses a 22-inch video monitor that enables encrypted, face-to-face conversations between radiologist and patient. The radiologist can securely screen-share mammogram images and explain findings or next steps. making an otherwise opaque experience transparent and comforting.
Importantly, the platform maintains strict data privacy, using automated, cloud-based systems for encrypted transmission and storage of all patient interactions and imaging data—far removed from off-the-shelf video platforms like Zoom.
As the conversation around AI and automation in radiology grows, live telebreast imaging technology is carving out a human-centered niche. Sussman said the technology marries the innovation with immediacy, and offers a future of breast cancer care where no patient has to wait days or weeks for answers.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: [email protected]