Abstract
The cost-effectiveness of a computerized ECG interpretation system in an ambulatory health care organization has been evaluated in comparison with a conventional (manual) system. The automated system was shown to be more cost-effective at a minimum load of 2,500 patients/month. At larger monthly loads an even greater cost-effectiveness was found, the average cost/ECG being about $2. In the manual system the cost/unit is practically independent of patient load. This is primarily due to the fact that 87% of the cost/ECG is attributable to wages and fees of highly trained personnel. In the automated system, on the other hand, the cost/ECG is heavily dependent on examinee load. This is due to the relatively large impact of equipment depreciation on fixed (and total) cost. Utilization of a computer-assisted system leads to marked reduction in cardiologists' interpretation time, substantially shorter turnaround time (of unconfirmed reports), and potential provision of simultaneous service at several remotely located "heart stations."
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 121-130 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Journal of Medical Systems |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 1982 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Information Systems
- Health Informatics
- Health Information Management