Abstract

Introduction: Shariati MRI center located in Esfahan began producing services in 21 July 2011. The responsibility of producing services was delegated to the radiology staff based on a contractual agreement between hospital executives and radiology department staff. We aimed to assess to what extent this method had been successful in improving efficiency comparing to a similar public MRI center and outsourcing alternative.

Methods:   A case study approach was used. We collected quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive picture of the experience and forthcoming challenges. By using quantitative data, we measured unit cost of services and the cost-revenue ratio of the MRI center. Relevant documents and reports were reviewed and key peoples were also interviewed for understanding potential challenges.

Results: The ratio of the cost to the revenue of the MRI center was 48% without the equipment depreciation and 60% including depreciation. The unit cost of the MRI center of Shariati hospital was 10% lower than outsourcing alternative and 35% lower than a similar public MRI center managing by governmental system. Nevertheless, qualitative analysis showed that the MRI center may have some challenges in the long-term period.