The camera phone: a novel aid in urologic practice.

Objectives: To describe a novel use of the camera phone for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective collection and transmission of medical data in the urologic setting.

Methods: We used camera phones (Verizon VGA and Sanyo-Sprint PCS) with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels to capture images in the operating room, as well as in the outpatient clinic. Images were obtained directly from the monitor or the x-ray viewing box. These were then immediately transmitted to the office computer through a secure Internet connection. The images were then incorporated into operative and office notes, as needed.

Results: The images obtained with this method were of adequate quality for demonstration purposes, with the added advantage of allowing secure transmission and storage. The best-quality images were those obtained directly from the x-ray viewing box or from a liquid crystal display monitor. In addition, the images could be edited and labels added with the aid of the software that came with the camera phone.

Conclusions: This method allows the acquisition of fair-quality digital images of surgical procedures and radiographic studies with simultaneous data transmission and storage for clinical documentation. The technology reduced costs and increased the efficiency of our practice considerably.