Telepathology between Richmond and Beckley Veterans Affairs Hospitals: Report on the First 1000 Cases

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A telepathology connection between Richmond VAMC and Beckley VAMC using dynamic robotic telepathology to provide pathology services remotely was established. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study reports a 14-month experience using telepathology to diagnose surgical specimens obtained from patients at the Beckley VA Medical Center and viewed in Richmond 250 miles away. Over 14 months, 2325 slides representing 1000 cases were viewed. RESULTS: Discrepancies were observed in 20 of 2325 slides, or 0.86% of the total. None of the patients, where a discrepancy was found, were adversely affected by the preliminary report given. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that telepathology is a reliable and cost-effective alternative to on-site pathology services and reviews advantages and disadvantages of the system.