Patient’s Guide to Teleradiology Holly-Jayne Tarrant October 15, 2026

A Patient's Guide to Teleradiology

teleradiology (noun)

radiology concerned with the transmission of digitized medical images (as X-rays, CT scans, and sonograms) over electronic networks and with the interpretation of the transmitted images for diagnostic purposes.

 (Merriam-Webster, 2026)

Teleradiology has been a staple of NHS trust and health boards for decades, and companies such as 4ways have been directly responsible for the reduction in NHS reporting backlog, helping to improve patient pathways and as a result, saving lives.

This state-of-the-art technology is used globally, and according to the Royal College of Radiology, over 95% of NHS trusts are outsourcing to private providers. (Royal College of Radiology, 2025)

What is teleradiology?

So, what is teleradiology? Put simply, teleradiology is the act of reporting on a scan such as an MRI or CT remotely; it helps to speed up scan results, and by extension, diagnoses and treatment.

The NHS utilise private teleradiology providers, such as 4ways, to report on their scans. These providers employ qualified radiologists to receive the scan images and create a report which is then sent back to the trust who requested the scan, where they can use the report to inform and influence a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan.

Teleradiology providers must adhere to strict governance and quality standards to work with the NHS, with recommended guidance outlined by the Royal College of Radiologists. At 4ways, quality assurance is embedded throughout our reporting processes, with up to 10 percent of all scans undergoing audit and peer review. We are accredited to ISO9001 and ISO27001 standards and hold Cyber Essentials Plus certification, demonstrating our commitment to quality management, information security and robust cyber protection. 

Governance is fundamental to effective teleradiology, ensuring patients receive the same high standards of care, whether their scan is reported on through a teleradiology company or within an NHS hospital. Quality is at the very heart of everything we do.

As the only leading teleradiology provider to exclusively use UK-based, GMC-registered consultant radiologists, 4ways offers patients complete confidence in the quality and reliability of their reporting. Every scan is reported by a fully vetted and qualified radiologist, ensuring the highest clinical standards are maintained and providing patients with genuine peace of mind.
 
A Scan's Journey
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Merriam-Webster, 2026. Teleradiology. [Online]
Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/teleradiology
[Accessed 14th September 2026].

Royal College of Radiology, 2025. Radiology delays worst on record despite spend on private providers soaring. [Online]
Available at: https://www.rcr.ac.uk/news-policy/latest-updates/radiology-delays-worst-on-record-despite-spend-on-private-providers-soaring/
[Accessed 15th September 2026].

This article provides general information only and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please speak to a healthcare professional.