Cost-effectiveness of office obstetrical ultrasound in family practice: preliminary considerations

J Am Board Fam Pract. 1988 Jan-Mar;1(1):33-8.

Abstract

This study reports costs incurred over a nine-and-one-half-month period following the introduction of obstetrical ultrasound into a group family practice serving primarily prepaid health plan patients. During this introductory period, 248 examinations were performed by family physicians and refereed by a radiologist for accuracy. The estimated cost to the practice was $95 per examination. This figure includes physician training expenses, professional fees, personnel, equipment and maintenance costs, costs for exams repeated due to technical error, and costs for additional consultation by a radiologist. Previously, all exams were referred to other consultants, and the charge was $185 per exam. Thus, in-office ultrasound exams performed by family physicians can provide cost savings while maintaining high standards of obstetric care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Family Practice / economics*
  • Female
  • Group Practice*
  • Group Practice, Prepaid*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / economics*
  • San Francisco
  • Ultrasonography / economics*