Utilization of body computed tomography units: in installations with greater than one-and-a-half years' experience.
Utilization and economic data from body computed tomography (BCT) units with more than 1 1/2 years' experience are compared to data in 1977. The average unit operates 52 hr./wk., examining 34 patients. Head studies constitute 55% of examinations, abdominal and pelvic 38%. The total technical cost of examining 35 patients/wk. is approximately $384,000. Charges have been reduced since 1977 by approximately 5%; the average annual loss is about $77,000. Technical and professional charges are lower in high-volume institutions. Current Medicare maximum allowable charges are below BCT costs and charges. Only 17% of installations meet the National Guidelines of 2,500 patient examinations per year.
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005249:Fees and Charges; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States