Enterprise imaging: planning and business justification.
To evaluate financial performance, academic radiology departments most often measure examination volume and general technical and professional expenses. Although these metrics are not standardized, their frequency of use reflects that productivity and financial health are high priorities for academic radiology departments across the United States. In this article, we discuss both of these topics, in the context of projects to expand services, particularly those with an information technology (IT) component. First, we discuss several informatics innovations that increase productivity or expand service. Second, we explain core financial analysis concepts applicable to radiology departments. Third, we discuss the unique challenge of evaluating a potential IT project for an academic radiology department, when intangible benefits are difficult to quantify. Financial models are only one of several components used for guidance in strategic decisions, but are crucial to building a business case that justifies the initial or capital investment as well as startup and ongoing operational expenses.
Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 94143, USA. David.Avrin@ucsf.edu
David
D
Avrin
Stephanie W
SW
Hou
D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000191:economics*; D022126:Access to Information; D003142:Communication; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004282:Documentation; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational / Q000191:economics; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000191:economics; D014481:United States