Cost-effectiveness of echocardiography: a private practice perspective

Echocardiography is essential to the modern practice of cardiology. It is a robust, noninvasive technique, with proven effectiveness in the diagnosis of a multitude of cardiac disorders. However, the true costs of echocardiography and the charges, reimbursement, and collection rates, plus the overall economic value of echocardiography relative to other technical and cognitive services provided by cardiologists, are not so clearly understood or established. The purpose of this article is to provoke thought among echocardiographers about these economical issues.