[Economic and structural aspects of modern medical technology].
Medical techniques are one of the few innovative factors that can improve the efficiency and economics of the health services. However, as illustrated for the example of Germany, the outlay and subsequent costs for expensive technical appliances in medicine account for only 1% of the total expenditure for health. But they provide the potential for improved quality and lower costs for the health service and the economy in general. The availability of modern medical technology is indispensable for research, health care, education, and training in medicine. Further innovative aspects arise. The digital images obtained by various methods (Fig. 13) can be collected by image archiving and communication systems (20), mutually related, and indexed for morphological and functional information, thus opening improved strategies for therapy. Major challenges are awaiting all of us.
Siemens AG, Bereich Medizinische Technik, Erlangen.
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D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000191:economics* / Q000295:instrumentation*