Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Background: Publicly funded computed tomography (CT) procedure descriptions inAustralia often specifythe body site, rather than indication for use. This study aimed to evaluate the relative contribution ofdemographic versus non-demographic factors in driving the increase in CT services in Australia.Methods: A decomposition analysis was conducted to assess the proportion of additional CT attributableto changing population structure, CT use on a per capita basis (CPC, a proxy for change in practice) and/orcost of CT. Aggregated Medicare usage and billing data were obtained for selected years between 1993/4and 2012/3.Results: The number of billed CT scans rose from 33 per annum per 1000 of population in 1993/94 (total572,925) to 112 per 1000 by 2012/13 (total 2,540,546). The respective cost to Medicare rose from $145.7million to $790.7 million. Change in CPC was the most important factor accounting for changes in CTservices (88%) and cost (65%) over the study period.Conclusions: While this study cannot conclude if the increase is appropriate, it does represent a shift inhow CT is used, relative to when many CT services were listed for public funding. This ‘scope shift’ posesquestions as to need for and frequency of retrospective/ongoing review of publicly funded services, asmedical advances and other demand- or supply-side factors change the way health services are used.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Wright, CM and Bulsara, MK and Norman, R and Moorin, R
Keywords:	Computed tomography Computed axial tomography CT scan Health service utilisation
Journal or Publication Title:	Health Policy
Publisher:	Elsevier Sci Ireland Ltd
ISSN:	0168-8510
DOI / ID Number:	10.1016/j.healthpol.2017.04.010
Copyright Information:	© 2017 Elsevier B.V.
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page