4 ms·
Overseas, strict cost controls actually drive innovation. In the United States, an MRI scan of the neck region costs about $1,500. In Japan, the identical scan
by DavidSJ 17y ago
Overseas, strict cost controls actually drive innovation. In the
United States, an MRI scan of the neck region costs about $1,500. In
Japan, the identical scan costs $98. Under the pressure of cost
controls, Japanese researchers found ways to perform the same
diagnostic technique for one-fifteenth the American price. (And
Japanese labs still make a profit.).
This seems highly suspect. Even if the Japanese labs invented this technique, why aren't American labs using it? There are few organizations that won't adopt an obvious, proven way to save 93% in costs.
- anamax 17y ago> In Japan, the identical scan costs $98. I don't doubt that the marginal cost of doing a scan (including the amortized the cost of the machine) is significantly less than $98, but who is interpreting the results? I note that medical equipment in the US must be used under the supervision of an MD and often in a regulated environment (read hospital). If an MRI could be installed in a gas station, they'd be quite cheap. However, increased govt regulation of health care isn't going to make that possible.