[Cost analysis and evaluation of a PET/CT system-department in a public Greek hospital]

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is an imaging technology that has experienced rapid development in recent years. The aim of this paper was to present the financial viability of a PET/CT department in a public hospital of Athens, Greece. This study performs a detailed financial analysis of the operating revenues and expenses of the department for the years 2007-2017.

For each year considered, detailed analysis of incomes and expenses has been performed. During a normal working day 15 scans are acquired by the PET/CT department. Over the 11 years of operation, 22.035 scans had been performed in total. The turnover for the examined period reached €40.395.275 is this cumulative revenue over the 11 years.

The following 6 evaluation and decision-making methods are presented: a) Net present value of the investment 2.245.251€ (factor β beta 0,6923), b) Internal rate of return was estimated 34,89%, c) The payback period is achieved by 2011, d) The profitability index is 2,10, e) Average rate of return or accounting rate of return is 27,20%, and f) Return On Investment is estimated 299,25%.

Even if we have to consider that it is not proper to evaluate with financial terms health, it is concluded through the present study that the investment for settling and operating the under-examination PET/CT unit of the present public hospital was financially profitable.