A cost comparison between reusable flexible and disposable laryngoscopes

Abstract

ObjectivesTo compare the costs of disposable laryngoscopes to reusable scopes in outpatient and inpatient settings. MethodsThe total variable and fixed costs involved in flexible scope reprocessing were collected from two general otolaryngology clinics, a pediatric otolaryngology clinic, and a children's hospital. Variable costs of disposable materials and labor were collected from 65 scope reprocessing events to identify the cost of reprocessing. Fixed costs of scope maintenance, monitors, video towers, and storage equipment were collected from financial records. Fixed and variable costs were analyzed to identify the cost per scope event. The costs were then compared to a theoretical model where disposable scopes were used to meet the volume demands of each clinic and children's hospital setting. The model of disposable scopes was generated after obtaining volume costs specific to each setting from a disposable scope company. ResultsThe average cost of a reusable scope model per scope event was $66.02 ± 4.49 at the three clinics and $130.66 at the children's hospital. The average cost of the disposable scope model per scope event was $152.55 ± 0.55 in the three clinics and $172.61 in the children's hospital. The cost differences were $86.53 ± 3.96 and $41.95 respectively. ConclusionsIn an outpatient clinic, reusable scopes are less expensive than a disposable scope model. In children's hospital inpatient setting, the difference in costs between disposable and reusable scopes is lower. When considering other non-economic factors, disposable scopes may be a feasible option, especially in the children's hospital setting.