COSTS OF PLAIN-FILM RADIOGRAPHY IN A PARTIALLY DIGITIZED RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT - AN ACTIVITY-BASED COST-ANALYSIS

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyse the costs of computed rad iography (CR) as part of a small picture archiving and communication s ystem (mini-PACS), and to compare these costs with those of convention al analogue radiography using activity-based accounting (ABC). Materia l and Methods: The study was conducted at the Central Hospital of Vaas a where in 1993 the Radiology Department acquired a mini-PACS with a C R reader, a chest CR unit, and a CT unit as digital image processing m odalities. Of altogether 34140 plain-film examinations, 3/4 were made with CR and stored mostly on film, and 1/4 were made with conventional analogue radiography. The costs and activities of these two modes wer e analysed by means of the ABC method which identifies and allocates i ndirect costs in radiological procedures. Results: The costs of CR ima ging were 9% higher than those of conventional radiography. The costs of the chest CR unit were equal to those of conventional radiography. The difference was due to higher investment costs in digital image pro cessing. The time gained from a reduction in the number of retakes did not shorten the time spent by patients in the examination room, and i ts effect on film costs was minimal. Conclusion: In planning the step- by-step transition of conventional film-based analogue radiography to fully digitized radiography, it should be noted that films are still u sed in the transition period and that this is associated with higher c osts than in the previous system of conventional analogue plain-film i maging.