Clinical-economic audit of electrophysiologic examinations in ophthalmology

To assess the diagnostic efficiency and direct costs of electrophysiologic tests, times and clinical data (admittance, diagnosis, final diagnosis and clinical reports) of 144 patients were recorded and statistically analyzed. Capital outlay on equipment and personnel costs were also evaluated to determine the economic impact of the tests. Electrophysiologic tests were found to play an important role in diagnosis and choice of therapy. It is important to improve collaboration between the referring ophthalmologist and the electrophysiology staff to inform patients better and to optimize the cost-benefit standards of the service. The current reimbursement by the Regional Public Health Service underestimates the costs of electrophysiologic tests.