New iPhone app helps doctors

Bundaberg Medical Imaging chief radiographer Greg Menzies with the new iPhone application that allows doctors to access medical scans and information.

Scottie Simmonds

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ACCESSING X-ray and scan reports is now as easy as a touch of a button, thanks to a new iPhone application.

The application, or app, which has been in use at Bundaberg Medical Imaging for about two weeks, allows doctors to access reports on scans and X-rays as soon as they have been completed by the specialist.

In coming weeks, the app will also allow doctors and specialists to see images of scans and X-rays taken at Bundaberg Medical Imaging.

Bundaberg Medical Imaging chief radiographer Greg Menzies said the huge file size of scans and X-rays previously made it difficult for files to be shared electronically.

"I can see that when a patient comes into the emergency department there could be a lot of benefits," he said.

"Doctors have become increasingly mobile."

Mr Menzies said by searching for the patient, doctors might be able to find if any recent X-rays or scans had been taken and the results of them.

The radiographer said while the app would soon be able to show images, they would not be as high-quality as looking at the real thing.

"It's still really in its infancy," he said.

"It will be able to give doctors a general idea without having to cart all those films around."

The app is currently compatible with iPhones and iPads.

But Mr Menzies said the uptake of the electronic report system varied among doctors.

"You have some doctors who are older and might not be able to use the technology quickly," he said.

"You also have the younger doctors who live and breathe the technology."

The app has been developed by the I-MED Network, of which Bundaberg Medical Imaging is a part.

I-MED Network Queensland general manager Justin Mottram said the app had already proved effective in Western Australia.

"If a doctor is on call, out of the office or moving between facilities, they can now get instant access to new patient results and determine how and when action needs to be taken," he said.