Methodology Of PACS Cost Justification

Three financial models of cost justification are discussed: the investors approach, the acquisition and operating cost approach and the differential operating cost approach. Realistic areas of cost reduction are pointed out and the claim that high technology of diagnostic procedures is the major cause of health care cost increases is examined. Although a cost justification based solely on operating cost reduction may not be fully convincing it is pointed out that PACS technology will become essential for the future survival of a diagnostic imaging department.