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Use of X-rays in family practice. A multicentre study
Family Practice
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Family practices in Iceland utilize X-rays, with rural areas showing higher request rates. Understanding X-ray use and cost is crucial for healthcare cost control in family medicine.
Area of Science:
- Family Medicine
- Health Economics
- Radiology
Background:
- Physicians face increasing pressure to control healthcare costs.
- Incorporating cost considerations into patient care decisions is becoming essential.
- The utilization and associated costs of X-rays in family practice are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the use and cost of X-ray requests within Icelandic family practices.
- To identify factors influencing X-ray utilization in this setting.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted across 16 community health centers in Iceland.
- Data on X-ray requests, types, and costs were collected and analyzed.
- Patient and practice characteristics were examined to understand variations in X-ray practices.
Main Results:
- A total of 5173 X-ray requests were recorded, representing 3.2% of office visits.
- Rural health centers had higher X-ray request rates per contact (24.7) compared to urban centers (14.7).
- Extremity and chest X-rays were the most frequent requests, with costs estimated at $6157 per 1000 inhabitants annually (1993).
Conclusions:
- X-ray examinations in family practices account for approximately 17% of all ambulatory X-ray use in Iceland.
- X-ray request rates varied by age and sex, and decreased with larger practice populations.
- Further research is needed to understand the cost-effectiveness of X-ray use in family practice.