[Does teleradiography in primary health care reduce costs? An analysis based on utilization of radiographic examination in the municipality of Alta].
In a remote community in Norway all patients who had radiological examination in 1993 were identified. Based on data from a sample of these patients, the costs to society of three options were calculated: i) the existing system: simple fracture diagnostics at the remote site, all other examinations at the nearest hospital; ii) teleradiology: most examinations at the remote site; iii) all examinations at the nearest hospital. Excluding costs common to the three options, the estimated annual cost was NOK 915,000 for the existing system, NOK 1235,000 for the teleradiology option and NOK 1170,000 for the "all-at-hospital"-option. Teleradiology services to remote primary health care do not appear to save costs. However, teleradiology may be justified on the grounds that it increases equity of access to care as well as the quality of health care in remote communities.
Halvorsen
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PA
Institutt for samfunnsmedisin Universitetet i Tromsø.
Kristiansen
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IS
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D017046:Cost Savings; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009664:Norway; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data