Cost of Neuroimaging of Patients with Vertigo in Emergency Department

Abstract

Introduction: The fact that many diseases cause symptoms of vertigo and that some of them are life-threatening make it difficult to manage vertigo in emergency departments (ED). Parallel to these difficulties, the number of neuroimaging use in diagnosis is increasing. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the neuroimaging costs of patients with vertigo in ED. Methods: The study was carried out with a retrospective review of the files of the patients with vertigo who were admitted to ED between 01.01.2013 and 31.12.2013. Patients were classified into 6 groups; central, peripheral, cardiac and blood pressure-induced, induced by internal causes, psychogenic, and vertigo related to other causes. Costs and the total cost of these groups were determined and the ratios were analyzed statistically. Results: Of the 381 patients; 31 (8.1%) patients were seen to be in the central, 175 (45.9%) in the peripheral vertigo. 72 of patients were seen to have been examined with computerized tomography (CT) and 35 with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neuroimaging was observed to have been implemented mostly on the central induced group. The highest neuroimaging cost was in the peripheral vertigo group. However, when the cost per patient was calculated, the group with the lowest cost of each patient was the peripheral vertigo group. Discussion and Conclusion: This study is the first study in Turkey for the cost analysis patients with a complaint of vertigo in ED. Avoiding unnecessary costs, along with the algorithms to be developed, can be possible with good and accurate patient management in ED.

Frequency of neuro-imaging in the emergency room in patients with vertigo: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

“…21 Additionally, our study's proportion of patients undergoing neuroimaging (70.98%) surpasses figures from related research conducted in a Turkish emergency department (28%). 22 A systematic review which included studies from developed countries identified three main drivers of increased direct costs including excessive use of diagnostic imaging and excessive use of emergency care.15 In addition, the duration of hospitalization is also associated with an increase in cost, that is increase in the length of stay results in higher costs. 23 This financial burden can have a direct impact on the patients and their families especially in low and low-middle-income countries where out-of-pocket payment is the primary of medical-bill payments instead of third-party or medical insurance.…”

Assessment of Blood Inflamatory Parameters in Elderly Patients With Peripheral Vertigo

“…It is one of the most common clinical symptoms and reasons for admission to the emergency department and outpatient clinics. [1,2] It affects approximately 20-30% of the world population and also decreases the quality of life of patients. [3] Peripheral vertigo (PV) is a type of vertigo that usually occurs due to infections of the inner ear such as otitis and labyrinthitis.…”