MR Imaging as the Primary Modality for Neuroradiologic Evaluation of the Lumbar Spine

Content Provider	Scilit
Author	Annnertz, Mårten Wingstrand, H. Strömqvist, B. Holtås, S.
Copyright Year	1996
Description	Journal: Acta Radiologica Purpose: To evaluate the effects on cost, and number of primary and supplementary neuroradiologic examinations, after introducing MR imaging as the primary modality in the evaluation of the lumbar spine. Material and Methods: Two 5-month periods were compared: period 1 — before MR; and period 2 — after introduction of a 2nd MR device. In period 1, patients were examined with myelography and/or CT after referral from specialists only, whereas in period 2 both specialists and general practitioners could refer patients for MR imaging. The direct cost (neuroradiologic methods and hospitalization) and indirect cost (sick-leave and estimated loss of production caused by the diagnostic procedure) were estimated. Results and Conclusion: In period 1, investigations were started in 75 patients (62 myelographies and 13 CT examinations); in period 2, in 227 patients (198 MR, 21 CT, and 8 myelographies). The estimated total cost increased from SEK 825000 to 1265000 (53%), the cost per investigated patient decreasing from 11000 to 5565 (50%), and the cost of preoperative investigation per operated patient decreasing from 8616 to 5563 (35%). The number of supplementary examinations was unchanged.
Related Links	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3109/02841859609177669?needAccess=true
Ending Page	380
Page Count	8
Starting Page	373
ISSN	02841851
e-ISSN	16000455
DOI	10.3109/02841859609177669
Journal	Acta Radiologica
Issue Number	3
Volume Number	37
Language	English
Publisher	Informa UK Limited
Publisher Date	1996-01-01
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Journal: Acta Radiologica Lumbar Spine, Mr Comparative Studies Cost Benefit
Content Type	Text
Subject	Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging Radiological and Ultrasound Technology