Question

how does a radiology leader use financial indicators to ensure cost effective imaging services?

Answer 1

A Radiology Leader is a person who uses Medical Imaging to identify diseases within the body.A variety of Imaging Techniques such as X-Ray Radiography,Ultrasound,Magnetic Resonance Imaging etc. are used to diagnose.Basically He/She is a trained Doctor who interprets the images and produces a report based on their knowledge and skills.

Imaging Services is the most fastest growing sector in medical services.It also takes a central role in medical decision making .The Growth in Imaging Services has created a demand of Cost Effective Analysis (CEA).A Cost Effective Analysis (CEA) by a Radiology Leader includes maximizing the health effects by utilising limited healthcare resources.Adequate utilisation of Medical Resources is the main essence of Cost Effective Analysis for Imaging Services.A Radiology Leader might feel insecured as far as the Cost-Effective Analysis is concerned, becouse of less knowledge in economic evaluation.  

Now a days Radiology Services has moved from Film-based services to Film-less (Digital Image Management) services through Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) and associated Information Systems (AIS).it requires wide range of factors to smooth running e.g.

1. Medical Sevices Requirements
2. Cost Effective Analysis (CEA)
3. Workflow Analysis
4. Market Demand of Current Product
5. Market Demand of the Current Technology being utilised
6. Analysis of Indicative Financial Expenditure i.e. Capital and Recurrent.

Better Management of Cost Effective Process includes Direct Cost Saving,Workflow Efficiencies and Service Quality Improvements.Which Further Includes Controlling of undermentioned costs:

Capital Costs

• Capital Purchase Cost of Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) and associated Information Systems (AIS).
• Infrastructure Cost e.g. Datacentre,Networking Cost.
• Cost related to imaging Equipments Upgardes.
• Installation and commissioning costs.

Recurrent Costs

1. Upgrade Costs.
2. Training Costs
3. Consumable Costs
4. Administrative Cost
5. Establishment Costs

Analysis of all the above mentioned cost can inform a Cost Effective Assessment.