A plan for the installation and implementation of a comprehensive computer-based system for the management and communication of digital radiographic images and diagnostic information is described. The paper is based on the authors' experience with, and evaluation of, prototype equipment and systems over the past 5 years. The final configuration will be realized in 1992 at the completion of a 3-phase installation plan. The system will address the clinical, data management, and administrative needs of the different types of users within the department, as well as the requirement to distribute radiographic information and images to locations outside of the department. In order to be considered successful, the system described herein will need to bring about a 90% reduction in both paper- and film-based communication of images and information. The British Columbia Ministry of Health is funding this phase of the project in order to obtain information on which to base decisions regarding installation of similar systems at other sites within the Province and predict with some confidence the cost effectiveness of such decisions.