title: A goal based cost-benefit analysis for film versus filmless radiology departments.
abstract: We describe the use of spreadsheet models to compare differential costs incurred in a film based versus a filmless radiology department. The spreadsheet allows a high degree of user customization to facilitate on-site cost analysis and informed purchasing decisions. Modeling institutions that perform 25, 50, and 105,000 diagnostic procedures per year, we find that break-even occurs near 50,000 exams. Plots further show the trends in annual hardware and staff costs as work loads increase.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Langer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000191:economics; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000191:economics*