RADIATE: A New Concept for Computer Coding, Transmitting, Storing, and Retrieving Radiological Data

Abstract

Because of the inaccuracies and inadequacies of the present radiological coding system, anatomic site and radiological examination indexes have been completely revised and expanded. A new diagnostic disease dictionary has been evolved. Every verbal entry in each index or dictionary has been assigned a specific identifying code using numbers and letters and cross-indexed. The radiological report is coded on data punch cards, processed by the computer, and stored on magnetic tape. The principles of a new computer concept for synthesizing, transmitting, storing, and retrieving radiological information are described. A console containing a typewriter keyboard and cathode-ray tube is the inquiry station and display device by which the radiologist obtains desired verbal and alphanumeric information. A program for the entire computer operation has been partially developed.