Dear Molecular Imaging Insider,
Given the opportunity, most radiologists wouldn't mind having a PET/CT scanner in their armamentarium of diagnostic imaging resources. The hybrid modality has consistently demonstrated stronger capabilities than PET or CT alone in clinical research.
But a PET/CT system is no impulse purchase. With prices running from $2 million-$2.5 million, careful fiscal analysis is essential when considering the addition of PET/CT services to a practice. Larry Weber, director of Great Basin Imaging in Carson City, NV, recently shared the tools he used to determine the economic viability of PET/CT for his facility at the 2003 American Healthcare Radiology Administrators imaging center administrator conference in Tampa, FL.
Weber modeled a comprehensive financial analysis for his market in terms of purchasing and leasing options for a PET/CT system using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Utilizing a formula-based system that allows for the input of multiple values over time, Weber entered data for cost projections, revenue projections, and breakeven income analyses to determine his lease-versus-buy options. The results, tailored for his market, show that PET/CT’s steep initial price point may not be nearly as intimidating as it first appears.
As a Molecular Imaging Insider subscriber, you have early access to this story. To read more about Weber’s findings, click here.
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