[Costs of clinical ultrasound examinations - an economical cost calculation and analysis]

The aim of the study was to calculate the costs for clinical ultrasound examinations in Germany under defined economical aspects in a multicenter setting.

There are fixed and variable costs for all common ultrasound examinations calculated under distinct scenarios for utilization and equipment quality (ultrasound systems classification concerning to DEGUM, German Ultrasound Society).

Over 5 years (on average 2007 - 2011) depending on utilization and quality, the basic sonography costs were 131.30 - 171.39 Euros for contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and 57.06 - 77.10 Euros for ultrasound guided biopsy per examination. The costs were calculated at 54.84 - 74.88 Euros for endosonography of the lower GI tract, at 79.20 - 109.27 Euros for the upper GI tract without biopsy and at 226.18 - 367.97 Euros with biopsy depending on the needle used. The costs were 34.58 - 47.01 Euros for basic transthoracic echocardiography, 100.04 - 112.20 Euros for CEUS, and 106.15 - 134.29 Euros for the transesophageal approach.

Cost calculation under defined economical aspects leads to cost transparency for clinical ultrasound examinations. Echocardiography costs were calculated like this for the first time in Germany. Calculation based on fixed and variable cost aspects as well as using distinct scenarios enables prospective planning of resources and investment. The analysis points out deficits in the reimbursement of ultrasound examinations in Germany.