Cost-effectiveness of office obstetrical ultrasound in family practice: preliminary considerations.
This study reports costs incurred over a nine-and-one-half-month period following the introduction of obstetrical ultrasound into a group family practice serving primarily prepaid health plan patients. During this introductory period, 248 examinations were performed by family physicians and refereed by a radiologist for accuracy. The estimated cost to the practice was $95 per examination. This figure includes physician training expenses, professional fees, personnel, equipment and maintenance costs, costs for exams repeated due to technical error, and costs for additional consultation by a radiologist. Previously, all exams were referred to other consultants, and the charge was $185 per exam. Thus, in-office ultrasound exams performed by family physicians can provide cost savings while maintaining high standards of obstetric care.
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005194:Family Practice / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D006123:Group Practice; D006125:Group Practice, Prepaid; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000191:economics*; D012495:San Francisco; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000191:economics*