[The diagnostic admission in an internal medicine service: clinical and economic aspects].
Efficacy and costs of the diagnostic process have been under extensive investigation for a long time. In this study we present a detailed, retrospective analysis of the clinical and economic aspects of 347 diagnostic admissions in a teaching hospital. We have, furthermore, investigated the clinical history of a group of 50 patients, from the beginning up to one year after definitive diagnosis, through a structured questionnaire. The results shed some light onto efficacy, cost-effectiveness and cost-profit balance of diagnostic admissions. Strategies to improve efficacy and cost-effectiveness are discussed.
Pomponio
Giovanni
G
Istituto di Clinica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona. pomponio@univpm.it
Tirotta
Daniela
D
Pietracci
Loris
L
Pasquali
Silvia
S
Pupita
Giuseppe
G
Raggetti
Gianmario
G
Gabrielli
Armando
A
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures / Q000191:economics*; D004180:Direct Service Costs; D005260:Female; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires