Giles Walter Boland MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Margaret Meehan, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ronald Doncaster, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

With a high capital costs related to multislice CT scanners, it is prudent to increase patient throughput to maximize the return on investment. This study evaluated the improved revenue gained by increasing CT throughput by utilizing one, two or three technologists

The time for patient throughput on a multi-slice scanners using one, two and three technologists was evaluated in a different study. Patient throughput times were as follows: one technologist = 26 minutes/patient, 2 technologists = 14 minutes/patient and 3 technologists = 11 minutes/patient. The potential available CT slots in a 24 hour period using this model was 55, 102 and 130 respectively and 41, 77, 98 scans respectively for an 18 hour operation. Variable and fixed costs using a single multi-slice scanner were evaluated using the different technologist models to calculate profit margins.

Using an average reimbursement of $300/scan, maximized gross annual revenue for a scanner open 18 hours/day equated to $4.5 million for a single technologist model, $8.4 million for a two-technologist model and $10.7 million for 3 technologists. Assuming an 80% capacity for the CT scanner in this 18-hour period, annual gross revenue using a three-technologist model was $6.2 million higher than a single technologist model. Average variable cost/scan = $24, and annualized fixed costs for a leased CT scanner = $498,000. Each technologist salary and benefits was based on $86,000. Using 3 technologist model rather than one, leads to a potential increased net profit margin of $5.35 million.

Using 2 or preferably 3 CT technologists per CT scanner provided significant increases in profit margins for CT owners in a fee for service health structure. However, this has important implications in other health systems (non fee for service) as it potentially reduces the number of CT scanners required for patient throughput.

Boland, G, Meehan, M, Doncaster, R, Three-technologist Model for CT: Cost Implications and Benefits.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4406836.html