Procedural costs of digital vs. analog archiving of diagnostic cardiac catheterizations

Citation
Me. Oetgen et al., Procedural costs of digital vs. analog archiving of diagnostic cardiac catheterizations, CATHET C IN, 49(3), 2000, pp. 246-250
Citations number
12
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems
Journal title
CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS
ISSN journal
15221946 → ACNP
Volume
49
Issue
3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
246 - 250
Database
ISI
SICI code
1522-1946(200003)49:3<246:PCODVA>2.0.ZU;2-U
Abstract
The use of digital technology in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is expanding at a rapid pace. The cost-effectiveness of this new technology is yet to be proven. The aims of this study were to determine the direct cost differences of digital versus analog media (CDs) for the storage of diagno stic cardiac catheterizations and to explore the factors influencing these differences. Procedural costs of all diagnostic angiograms (n = 109), from three physicians, performed in an analog catheterization laboratory (room A ) and a digital catheterization laboratory (room C) were compared during a g-month period. The mean procedural cost was higher in room A than in room C ($1,102 vs. $1,087, P < 0.001). This cost difference was eliminated when recording media costs were excluded from analysis ($1,079 vs. $1,080, P = 0 .931). Therefore, we conclude there is a procedural cost savings in a cardi ac catheterization room that uses digital CDs versus cineangiogram film as the archival media. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.