Contrasted diffusion and the use of CT scanner equipment in France

During the last 4 years, there has been a rapid catching-up in the distribution level of CT-scanners in France. In a survey of CT-scanner utilization, data from all machines operating in the PACA Region in 1986, showed that the mean activity was 6,080 examinations per machine. The co-existence of both private and public medicine led to different use of materiel (5,500 to 5,800 exams per machine in the public versus 8,600 in the private sector and a higher productivity in the profit-making establishments. This difference was not explained by procedural variations in carrying out the technique, which appeared to be similar and standardized everywhere, but probably reflected patient selection (80% of ambulatory patients in the private sector, 25 to 50% in PTH).