Operational and financial feasibility of positron emission tomography CT scanner at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: The study aims to evaluate the operational and financial feasibility of setting up a positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) facility at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: Three years data of all the cases potentially referred for PET/CT were collected for the study. Operational feasibility was evaluated in terms of number of potential cases undergoing treatment in the hospital that could have been referred for PET/CT, existing infrastructure for installing PET/CT scanner and manpower available. Financial feasibility was evaluated using Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Payback Period and Profitability Index. A questionnaire-based study was performed among 174 doctors to know their perception of referring to PET/CT. Results: The most common department referring to PET/CT was oncology (150 cases/month). Compared to capital purchase model, revenue-sharing model generates profit from the first year of operation. Findings of simple payback (5.14 years) period, net present value (positive), internal rate of return (>12%), profitability index (>1%) indicated that the project is feasible. About 60% of doctors preferred to refer patients for PET/CT if established at the hospital. Conclusion: The set-up of the PET/CT scanner may gain profit and be beneficial to the hospital, according to cost–benefit analysis.