The Case of MRI Repetitions with Direct and Indirect Cost Implications: Evidence from Hacettepe University Hospitals

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BAŞAR DİKMEN D., ÖZEN İ. C., ÖZTÜRK S., GÜMELER E., AKATA D., ÇİFTÇİ A. Ö.

SOSYOEKONOMI, vol.27, no.41, pp.253-262, 2019 (ESCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27 Issue: 41
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.17233/sosyoekonomi.2019.03.13
  • Journal Name: SOSYOEKONOMI
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.253-262
  • Keywords: Health Policy, MRI Overutilization, Direct and Indirect Costs, Turkey, MEDICAL MALPRACTICE, HEALTH-CARE, OVERUTILIZATION
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study investigates the case of repeated MRIs using data from Hacettepe University Hospitals. Results indicate that almost 34% of MRI consultations have to be repeated within the same year due to suboptimal quality that hinders correct assessment and diagnosis. Suboptimal quality refers to; movement artefacts, use of wrong scan technique or sequence, inexperienced reader and/or shortened time intervals. In fact, almost 30% of those repetitions result in a change in diagnosis. Results suggest that the probability of repetition is higher among women and children.