title: Computed tomography: the cost-benefit dilemma.
abstract: Although cost-benefit analysis is used for most systems of health care planning, its use in evaluating CT scanning is not appropriate. The authors suggest that cost-effectiveness is a more reasonable approach to the economic analysis of CT installations. Cost effectiveness attempts to assure that disease is treated with the most effective means available which minimizes the cost of such treatment. This method involves such factors as the impact of CT on the existing health care system, health outcome of patients, and reduction of hospital occupancy.
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed