Cost-effectiveness of the diagnostic evaluation of vertigo. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of several diagnostic tests used in the evaluation of vertigo. STUDY DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness analysis, using data from retrospective case review. METHODS: Charts and test results were reviewed from 192 outpatients seen in an academic tertiary referral center for evaluation of vertigo. Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using decision analysis software, data from office and hospital charges, and expert-based estimations of the utility of different test outcomes. Sensitivity analysis was performed using standard algorithms and wide variable ranges. RESULTS: We found that audiologic testing, posturography, and electronystagmography were the most cost-effective tests, and that magnetic resonance imaging and blood tests had the lowest cost-effectiveness. The analysis was sensitive to the effects of financial costs of tests but, with a few exceptions, was typically not sensitive to the utility of test outcomes or the distribution of test results. CONCLUSIONS: The use of cost-effectiveness analysis, the estimation of utility of test outcomes, and techniques of sensitivity analysis should help guide the clinician's decision making on appropriate testing for patients with vertigo.

publication date

  • April 1, 1999

Research

keywords

  • Health Care Costs
  • Vertigo

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0032892650

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/00005537-199904000-00015

PubMed ID

  • 10201748

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 109

issue

  • 4