Utilization of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patient Covered by Isfahan Health Care Insurance, Iran

Document Type : مقاله مروری نقلی

Authors
Saeed Karimi 1
Fatemeh Rezaei 2
Ayan Kordi 2
1 Associate Professor, Health Services Management, Health Management and Economic Research Center, School of Health Management and Medical Informatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 MSc Student, Student Research Committee, Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Medical Informatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: The use of high-cost and high-tech magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has expanded over
the past decade. A recently conducted research reported various causes with regard to their own country
and healthcare system included aging population and advances in diagnostic technologies which could
result in diagnostic services to become more applicable in clinical arena. Increasing number of
radiologists, access to physicians and these types of services affect its use. This study aimed to determine
the level of magnetic resonance imaging service utilization in 2010-2011 for specialties, types of MRI and
fund coverage.
Methods: This was an analytical study. Information of various MRI types, prescribed MRI by each
specialists and various fund of health insurance was extracted from the Isfahan Health Insurance, Iran
database through census method during 2010 and 2011 midyears. Excel was used to analyze each group.
Results: Over two midyears (2010-2011), total number of prescribed MRI increased about 177 MRIs.
Neurologists and orthopedic specialists ordered the most scans (843 and 819 scans in 2011 and in 2012,
respectively which was related to orthopedic specialists and then to neurologists) and were the most
frequent users of CT/MRI scans. Abdominal scans (n = 1218) in 2010 and lumbar scans (n = 921) in 2011
were the most ordered scans, respectively. The most prescribed MRI was related to government
employees fund (average number = 1472) and the lowest was related to self-employed insured fund
(average number = 17).
Conclusion: Increased number of performed MRI is rooted from different causes. Increased number of
MRI centers could cause an upward trend. Other effective factors in utilization these services would be
time pressure for physical examination, professional uncertainty, patients' expectations to prescribe more
drugs and diagnostic services, lack of a proper payment system and inadequate payments to physicians

Keywords

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Health Information Management
Volume 9, Issue 7
Autumn 2012
Pages 1146-1151