title: [Global cost analysis of radiological procedures].
abstract: In the Federal Republic of Germany, the amount spent on investments in electromedical equipment and systems has remained constant at 0.7% of total health expenditure over the last 15 years. One-fifth of this sum is used for large medico-technical systems such as CT scanners, cardioangiography systems or shock-wave lithotriptors. Expenditure on this category of equipment, including investments and total application costs, amounts to 2 billion DM. This sum also amounts to 0.7% of total health expenditure, or 1.5% of the volume of the statutory health insurance schemes. This paper contains evaluation from various countries showing that the correct implementation of such high-performance units in diagnosis and therapy results in considerable savings. The cost-reducing effects can nevertheless be over-compensated by additional applications carried out due to the specific advantages of these technologies. However, the growing utilisation indicates improved and more economic medical care of the population.
authors.affiliation: Siemens AG, Bereich Medizinische Technik, Erlangen.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Stehr
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000191:economics*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D013675:Technology, High-Cost / Q000191:economics; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000191:economics
vernacular_title: Globale Kostenanalyse radiologischer Leistungen.