Summary
- This report presents usage, cost and efficacy data from the MRI Assessment Program, and continues the analysis given in previous publications.
- Analysis has been performed on data from 11,858 examinations relating to 10,796 patients examined by the MRI units at Royal North Shore (RNSH), Royal Melbourne (RMH), Royal Adelaide (RAH), and Princess Alexandra (PAH) hospitals.
- Throughputs for 1987/88 at RNSH and RMH were 2991 and 2441 scans respectively. Recent experience suggests that annual throughputs of 3300 scans at RNSH and 2600 at RMH may be achievable under current operating schedules.
- MRI continued to be used mainly for examination of the head (58%) and spine (26%). Most head examinations (82%) were completed in under 1 hour. The majority of spinal examinations (78%) were completed within 75 minutes.
- Comparisons were made between MRI and CT in 73% of head scans and 50% of spinal scans. In most of these cases MRI was considered to be superior (69%) or equal (27%) to CT, with CT being considered superior in 4% of cases.
- Average costs per scan for July 1987 - June, 1988 not including a component for interest or leasing charges, were $607 at RNSH and $537 at RMH. These costs would reduce to $551 (RNSH) and $504 (RMH) at throughputs of 3300 and 2600 scans/year respectively.
- Average costs per scan at RAH and PAH were $687 and $725 respectively over the period July 1987-June 1988. These costs should decrease as throughput increases at both units.
- Following the completion of the two year assessment period at RNSH and RMH, a separate report has been prepared on the audited cost data from these units.
- A preliminary cost comparison of MRI with other diagnostic procedures for six selected conditions suggests that in these cases MRI may be no more costly than alternative investigations.
- Brief details are given of more detailed follow-up studies being conducted at each MRI unit.