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New imaging technology and cost containment
1Department of Radiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine and Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|March 1, 1994
Summary
New diagnostic imaging technologies face scrutiny due to past assessment issues and economic pressures. Healthcare reforms necessitate rigorous cost-benefit analysis for acquiring new imaging innovations.
Area of Science:
- Medical technology assessment
- Health economics
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Diagnostic imaging technologies have historically faced challenges in rigorous assessment.
- Questions persist regarding the extent to which new technologies improve patient health outcomes.
- Economic factors frequently influence decisions regarding the adoption of new medical technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the scrutiny new diagnostic imaging technologies face in healthcare cost containment.
- To emphasize the need for more rigorous assessment of costs and benefits for new imaging technologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical technologic assessment practices.
- Analysis of factors influencing technology acquisition decisions.
- Consideration of current and future healthcare reform initiatives.
Main Results:
- Past technologic assessments have often been inadequate.
- The link between technological innovation and improved patient health is frequently questioned.
- Economic considerations often override medical necessity in technology adoption.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare reforms demand a more thorough evaluation of costs and benefits for new imaging technologies.
- Providers must rigorously assess both economic and medical implications before acquiring new diagnostic imaging systems.