After reading the prompt, I decided to go on google to research the cost of purchasing a CT scanner. Turns out the average price of a CT scanner in the U.S. is about $1 million. I also stumbled on an article that talked about a cardiologist in San Francisco who was considering buying such equipment. Although the doctor could use the scanner to get an unparalleled view of pateints' arteries, he knew he'd have to pay for the expensive gadget by potentially ordering unnecessary CT scans. Each scan, which costs $500-$1500, would generate revenue , but it's ionizing radiation could compromise the health of individuals.
With regards to whether a patient will use potentially unsafe technology, I think it all boils down to an individual's perception of risk. If there is a percieved benefit associated with a certain behavior, we tend to minimize the risk associated with that behavior. For instance, if a patient is diagnosed with atherosclerosis and is advised to go get a CT scan to verify progression of the disease in his heart, he would probably risk the adverse effects of radiation for the potential benefits of controlling the atherosclerosis, such as improvement in quality of life.
I agree with Dmitry that new technology works best on an individual perceived benefit/risk. At one point in class we were talking about how I think it was China or Japan has a regulated system, and how in the US we are almost afraid of that idea because if we have that one rare condition that needs that rare use of that technology we want to be able to have that rare option. Being in the healthcare profession I am on the more conservative side of treatments and almost fear a radical approach because it is not always evidence based. I agree with Beth and I think we need to put more effort in to researching these new technologies before unleashing them on the public. Most people are not informed enough to be making decisions with their doctors or on their own to know what's best for them. Also like Dmitry said these new technologies may also incur more cost to the consumer to pay for them, which may cause more exposures that are not needed.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Dmitry and Julia that there is a risk/benefit analysis to medical treatment. Ideally, physicians would be the ones to make this decision since they are trained to understand the medical procedures and ailments. However, as Julie pointed out, a lot of procedural decisions are dictated by people who are not even medically trained, simply for billing purposes.
ReplyDeleteOverall, advanced medical technology is improving health outcomes. Without technologies like CT scanners, MRI machines, and others, there would be no way to get a comprehensive look at the inside of someone's body without performing surgery. The development of these machines has saved us from unnecessary procedures, however, there are risks involved. Like last weeks prompt about medical insurance where people were willing to pay astronomical prices in order to receive help in life or death situations, the risks of these advanced technologies may be overshadowed by the condition of the patient. Ideally, physicians wouldn't be under the thumb of billers who require unnecessary procedures in order to be able to bill the patient for their treatment. Physicians would then be able to make the risk/benefit analysis and devise a course of treatment based on that.
Ultimately, alternative procedures are an ideal situation. If another technology could perform the same task as a CT machine and not provide radiation to the patient then we should use this. However, we are not fortunate enough to have these "luxuries". Until then patients and doctors will have to make the decision to utilize these technologies or not.
Personally, if a CT machine or other advanced technology could save my life or diagnose an issue that otherwise would go unnoticed, I am all for having the scan despite the potential for radiation exposure. I'm not going to jump into a CT machine everyday or have a scan done when I don't need one, but for that peace of mind or confirmation of not having a particular disease that cannot be confirmed by any other procedure, I'm willing to take that risk.