Skip to main content
Log in

Establishing benchmarks for creation of a pro-forma economic model to evaluate filmless PACS operation

  • Published:
Journal of Digital Imaging Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish data points (benchmarks) to incorporate into a pro-forma cost analysis model, comparing film-based and filmless modes of operation. Prospective data were collected over a 6-year period at the Baltimore VA Medical Center (BVAMC) immediately before and after implementation of a hospital-wide PACS. These data were in turn compared with local and national VA centers during comparable time periods, to establish reference data between manual film-based (without PACS) and filmless operations (using PACS). Benchmarks utilized for the study fell into 2 broad categories: operational costs and revenues generated. Factors contributing to operational costs include space requirements, equipment, supplies, personnel, and maintenance. Factors contributing to revenues generated included examination volume, modality mix, and reimbursement rates. Collectively, these data points were incorporated into a pro-forma model that allows prospective PACS customers to compare total cost of ownership for film-based and filmless operations dependent on the unique variables of the respective institution.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Hilsenrath PE, Smith WL, Berbaum KS, et al: Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of PACS. AJR 156:177–180, 1991

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Van Der Loo RP, Van Gennip EMSJ: Evaluation of personnel savings through PACS: A modelling approach. Int J Biomed Comput 30:235–241, 1992

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Langer S, Wang J: Goal based cost-benefit analysis for film versus filmless radiology departments. J Digit Imaging 9:104–112, 1996

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Pratt HM, Langlotz CP, Feingold ER, et al: Incremental cost of department-wide implementation of a picture archiving and communication system and computed radiography. Radiology 206:245–252, 1998

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. King BF, Ward S, Bruesewitz R, et al: Cost of film: Purchasing, processing, packaging, storing, and disposal over the lifetime of a film examination in a large radiology department. 1996 SCAR Proceedings, pp 152–157

  6. Siegel EL, Diaconis JN, Pomerantz S, et al: Making filmless radiology work. J Dig Imaging 8:151–155, 1995

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Siegel EL, Pomerantz SM, Protopapas Z, et al: PACS in a “digital hospital”: Preliminary data from phase III evaluation of the experience with filmless operation at the Baltimore VA. IEEE Computer Society Press, 1996, pp 38–42.

  8. Reiner BI, Siegel EL, Hooper F, et al: Picture archiving and communication systems and vascular surgery: Clinical impressions and suggestions for improvement. J Digit Imaging 9:1–6, 1996

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Reiner BI, Siegel EL, Hooper F, et al: Impact of filmless imaging on the frequency of clinician review of radiology images. J Digit Imaging 11:149–150, 1998

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Reiner BI, Siegel EL, Protopapas Z, et al: Impact of filmless radiology on frequency of clinician consultations with radiologists. AJR 173:1169–1172, 1999

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Reiner B, Siegel E, Flagle C, et al: Effect of filmless imaging on the utilization of radiology services. Radiology 215:163–167, 2000

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Reiner BI, Siegel EL, Hooper FJ, et al: Effect of film-based versus filmless operation on the productivity of CT technologists. Radiology 207:481–485, 1998

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Gay SB, Sobel AH, Young LQ, et al: Processes involved in reading imaging studies: Workflow analysis and implications for workstation development. J Digit Imaging 10:40–45, 1997

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Reiner BI, Siegel EL: Understanding financing options for PACS implementation. J Digit Imaging 13:49–54, 2000

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Bansal S, Sunshine JH: Hospital activities of radiology groups in the United States: Results of a 1992 ACR survey. AJR 165:453–465, 1995

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Reiner, B., Siegel, E., Bradham, D. et al. Establishing benchmarks for creation of a pro-forma economic model to evaluate filmless PACS operation. J Digit Imaging 13, 129–135 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03168386

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03168386

Key Words

Navigation