Ownership and utilization of MR imagers in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Abstract

To assess distribution, operation, and ownership of magnetic resonance (MR) imagers in Virginia in 1991. Questionnaires regarding ownership, location, hours of operation, annual throughput, sources and amounts of revenue, and expenses were mailed to identified providers. Data, specifically regarding ownership and location, were analyzed. Staff from 95% of MR facilities responded. Most facilities were located in and around major metropolitan areas. Population density per imager ranged from one per 76,000 to one per 222,000 persons. Imagers in larger metropolitan areas were operated for longer hours with higher revenues and greater expenses than were those in lower-population-density areas. Imagers owned by physicians in a position to self-refer had the highest patient throughput, the most revenue, and a much lower percentage of revenues from Medicare and Medicaid than did other ownership types. Patient access to MR services in Virginia is inhomogeneous. Important aspects of utilization are location and ownership. Ownership by physicians who can self-refer is associated with higher use, greater overall revenues, and less service to the poor and elderly.