Optimizing radiologic costs in the DRG environment.
Previously developed consensus algorithms expressing a suggested radiologic workup for the diagnostic related groups (DRGs) specified by the prospective reimbursement policy have proven to be useful tools for investigating radiologic decision making and the resulting economic implications. The mathematical equations for determining diagnostic and therapeutic costs for two alternative algorithms for suspected acute cholecystitis are formulated. Illustrative examples and graphic displays are given regarding how such algorithms and equations are useful in finding answers to questions about the appropriate diagnostic workup, time, and cost. Exploration of the effect of different parameter values on the choice of the appropriate algorithm is illustrated.
Henschke
C I
CI
New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York 10021.
Saint-Louis
L A
LA
Balter
S
S
Sarkar
S D
SD
Balter
P
P
Whalen
J P
JP
D000465:Algorithms; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000191:economics*; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000191:economics*; D009519:New York City; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000191:economics*; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014481:United States