題名: Determinants of CT and MRI Utilization in Taiwan 作者: Kung PT;Tsai WC;Yaung CL;Liao KP
貢獻者: 健康產業管理學系
關鍵詞: Computerized tomography;Magnetic resonance imaging;High-tech medical utilization;CT;MRI
日期: 2005-01
上傳時間: 2009-10-28T07:05:02Z
摘要: Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT)
scanners are high-tech equipment with the highest utilizations and expenditures in
Taiwan. This study investigates the factors that affect MRI and CT utilization, such as
whether supply-side factors have more impact than demand-side factors, and the effect of
utilization control policies.
Methods: This study used the nationwide CT and MRI claim data for the years 1998 to
2001 from the Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI) in Taiwan.
Multiple regression
analysis was the statistical method used to determine the relative factors that influence
CT and MRI utilization.
Results: CT : population ratio, hospital-based physician : population ratio, female ratio,
pediatric (≤14 years) : population ratio, and family income significantly influenced CT
utilization. MRI : population ratio and hospital-based physician : population ratio, female
ratio, and family income significantly influenced MRI utilization.
However, the proportion of
the aged (≥65 years of age) did not significantly influence CT or MRI utilization after
controlling for other factors. The rates of CT and MRI utilization for the outpatient and
inpatient settings and the repeated uses of CT or MRI have decreased significantly after a
utilization review was implemented by BNHI, which suggests that CT and MRI have been
overused.
Conclusions: Increases in supply-side factors significantly increase CT/MRI utilization,
and supply-side factors impact CT/MRI utilization more than demand- side factors. The
results show that the utilization instant report policy effectively decreases repeated uses
of CT/MRI.
