MR imaging as the primary modality for neuroradiologic evaluation of the lumbar spine. Effects on cost and number of examinations.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects on cost, and number of primary and supplementary neuroradiologic examinations, after introducing MR imaging as the primary modality in the evaluation of the lumbar spine.


METHODS
Two 5-month periods were compared: period 1--before MR; and period 2--after introduction of a 2nd MR device. In period 1, patients were examined with myelography and/or CT after referral from specialists only, whereas in period 2 both specialists and general practitioners could refer patients for MR imaging. The direct cost (neuroradiologic methods and hospitalization) and indirect cost (sick-leave and estimated loss of production caused by the diagnostic procedure) were estimated.


CONCLUSIONS
In period 1, investigations were started in 75 patients (62 myelographies and 13 CT examinations); in period 2, in 227 patients (198 MR, 21 CT, and 8 myelographies). The estimated total cost increased from SEK 825,000 to 1,265,000 (53%), the cost per investigated patient decreasing from 11,000 to 5565 (50%), and the cost of preoperative investigation per operated patient decreasing from 8616 to 5563 (35%). The number of supplementary examinations was unchanged.
Annertz
M
M
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Wingstrand
H
H
Strömqvist
B
B
Holtås
S
S
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004180:Direct Service Costs; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009192:Myelography / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012585:Sciatica / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data