The map below shows ownership of CT scanners—it does not show those private CT scanners that may serve public patients through outsourced arrangements with public health services.
The audit approach—after benchmarking, interviews with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and Health Purchasing Victoria, and desktop review—consisted primarily of assessing three distinct data sources, of different breadth and level of inquiry. Group One included all public hospitals and health services, Group Two included a representative sample of 15 metropolitan and regional health services, while Group Three focused on a selective sample of six health services.
The high capital and maintenance costs of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scanners mean they should be used to the fullest extent possible. Increasing scanner efficiency, and therefore utilisation, can significantly decrease the cost per scan and increase public patient access to imaging equipment.
Public health services can deliver computed tomography (CT) and medical resonance (MR) imaging services in a number of ways—including purchasing or leasing for in‑house use, outsourcing the service or a combination of options. All options need to be assessed so that CT and MR imaging services are delivered cost-effectively.
A thorough understanding of demand for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) services across the state is needed to inform resource decisions that support timely and equitable access to these services.
Imaging services are increasingly being used to diagnose and treat medical conditions in our public health system.
 John Doyle Auditor-General |
Audit team Michele Lonsdale—Engagement Leader Michael Herbert—Team Leader Engagement Quality Control Reviewer Renee Cassidy |
Ordered to be published
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER February 2015
PP No 8, Session 2014–15