Cost Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography in Cardiology: A Case Study of a University Hospital Complex in the Euro Region

Introduction: In recent years, several hospitals have incorporated MRI equipment managed directly by their cardiology departments. The aim of our work is to determine the total cost per test of both CT and MRI in the setting of a Cardiology Department of a tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: The process followed for estimating the costs of CT and MRI tests consists of three phases: (1) Identification of the phases of the testing process; (2) Identification of the resources consumed in carrying out the tests; (3) Quantification and assessment of inputs. Results: MRI involves higher personnel (EUR 66.03 vs. EUR 49.17) and equipment (EUR 89.98 vs. EUR 33.73) costs, while CT consumes higher expenditures in consumables (EUR 93.28 vs. EUR 22.95) and overheads (EUR 1.64 vs. EUR 1.55). The total cost of performing each test is higher in MRI (EUR 180.60 vs. EUR 177.73). Conclusions: We can conclude that the unit cost of each CT and MRI performed in that unit are EUR 177.73 and EUR 180.60, respectively, attributable to consumables in the case of CT and to amortization of equipment and staff time in the case of MRI.

Automated summary

In recent years, hospitals have started directly managing MRI equipment in their cardiology departments. The aim of this study was to determine the total cost per test for CT and MRI in a tertiary hospital's Cardiology Department. The process involved three phases: identifying testing process phases, identifying resources consumed, and quantifying and assessing inputs. The results showed that MRI had higher personnel and equipment costs, while CT had higher consumables and overhead costs. The total cost per test was higher for MRI. In conclusion, the unit cost for each CT and MRI test was EUR 177.73 and EUR 180.60, respectively, due to consumables for CT and equipment and staff time for MRI.