Privacy and security issues in teleradiology

Teleradiology is now well established within healthcare in the USA, but ethico-legal concepts surrounding this innovation remain unclear. New legislation, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, as well as ethical guidelines and common law demonstrate the importance being placed on security of electronic data and the protection of patients' personal data. Radiologists need to be aware of the security, privacy, and confidentiality issues which relate to teleradiology, so that they can safeguard not only their own interests but also the best interests of their patients. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.