A study of photoelectronic-digital radiology—Part II: Cost analysis of a photoelectronic-digital versus film-based system for radiology

A photoelectronic-digital X-ray system was conceived for our thirteen-room diagnostic radiology department. It was designed to permit carrying out not only those functions customary in our film-based department, but also to offer advantages in image processing and archival storage. Costs for establishing and operating this facility over ten years were estimated and compared with similar costs predicted for operating with film. The comparison reveals that photoelectronic-digital systems are significantly less expensive than film for hospital operation, even though initial start-up costs are heavy. Assuming that diagnostic accuracy is maintained, one can anticipate a change in radiological practice from film to these new systems beginning within five years, accelerating rapidly within ten years, and being complete by twenty years.