Cost Effectiveness and Patient Outcome of Modern Digital Technology

Abstract

In many countries today, politicians are faced with the difficulty of having to reduce the overproportional increase in the costs of Healthcare. In this context the contribution of medical technology to costs in the total spend are nearly always overestimated and its potential for savings underestimated.

Based on international studies, investment and subsequent running costs for so-called “major equipment” for diagnosis and therapy will be shown to account for only about 1% of the total spend for Healthcare. The benefits of medical technology will be compared to these costs.

72% of the total turnover of the Medical Engineering Group of Siemens AG for diagnostic imaging modalities in 1991/1992, arose from digital imaging modalities, and this percentage is expected to continue to increase. Because of this we will concentrate our attention on these modern digital methods.

Impressive examples of the application of Computer Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Tomography and Digital Subtraction Angiography deliver valid statistics regarding the patient benefits and efficiency of modern imaging diagnostic systems. Studies about resulting therapeutic possibilities of Angioplasty and extra-corporal Lithotripsy demonstrate the overall economic advantages of modern medical technology.

Arising from the positive results due to the use of such equipment, the additional cost savings potential to be expected by networking these digital modalities with one another, as well as with other Information and Communications Technology systems, will be analysed. The results will be assessed and compared to experience gained from routine clinical operation of such integrated systems.