New Diagnostic Modalities: Magnetic Resonance Imaging's Impact on Health Care Costs

Author

Steven Angelo Spinosi, Fontbonne College

Year of Award

1990

Degree

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

College

College of Business & Professional Studies

Degree Program

Business

Department

Business Administration

Keywords

MRI, heathcare, technology, hospital, procedures

Abstract

The United States made a commitment many years ago to expand access to high quality health care for Americans. Programs to increase the supply of physicians and hospitals, encourage development of medical technology, and expand care for the poor and elderly demonstrate this commitment.

Innumerable benefits have resulted from the national priority given to health care. Life expectancy now approaches seventy-five years of age, infant mortality has declined, the prevalence of many communicable diseases have been reduced, and improved methods of diagnosing and treating illnesses have emerged. However, these benefits have been achieved at considerable expense as health care expenditures have spiraled in consuming an increasing percentage of the gross national product.

The rapid development of expensive medical technology, such as resonance scanners, kidney dialysis, and heart and liver transplants, while benefiting many patients, has also contributed to this increased health care expenditure. The main problem results from the ease of which some technological advances have been introduced, diffused and utilized before their effectiveness was clearly demonstrated. T

he overall effect that rapid development of medical technology, such as magnetic resonance scanners, has had on health care expenditures is not clear. Some researchers contend that, on balance, technology has increased expenditures, while others maintain that the economic benefits derived more than offset the cost of developing and using new techniques.

Numerous issues, such as the ethical, financial, and logistical factors associated with delivery of "hightech" health care must be considered in this discussion of magnetic resonance imaging's impact on the cost of health care.

Document Type

Restricted Thesis

Recommended Citation

Spinosi, Steven Angelo, "New Diagnostic Modalities: Magnetic Resonance Imaging's Impact on Health Care Costs" (1990). All Theses, Dissertations, and Capstone Projects. 437.
https://griffinshare.fontbonne.edu/all-etds/437