Taiwan reports $55M in wasted radiology-related resources
The National Health Insurance Administration Ministry of Health and Welfare (NHIA) in Taiwan marked a wastage of more than $55 million (NT$1.7 billion) in imaging-related medical resources. Thousands of patients did not arrive to their follow-up appointments to collect and discuss MRI or CT scan findings. Additionally, many patients received repeat scans at different facilities.
Lee Po-Chang, MD, director general of the NHIA, said he was unaware of the severity of the resources until he reviewed data.
Much of the problem may be due to the misconception patients have that hospitals will notify them of their results or that there is nothing wrong with them so they feel they don’t have to collect their scans.
Failure to return to a hospital within 30 days of receiving scans, which is typically common practice in Taiwan, wastes resources, Po-Chang noted, while also putting an unnecessary burden on hospital staff.
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As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.