Financial illiteracy among internal medicine, surgery, and radiology residents regarding medical imaging costs in the Netherlands

PURPOSE: To assess the knowledge of internal medicine, surgery, and radiology residents of medical imaging costs at a university hospital in the Netherlands.

METHODS: A survey was conducted among internal medicine, surgery, and radiology residents at a tertiary care university hospital to determine their knowledge and view on medical imaging costs. Participants were asked to estimate the costs of a two-view chest X-ray, unenhanced CT of the brain, unenhanced MRI of the brain, contrast-enhanced CT of the chest and abdomen, ultrasound of the complete abdomen, and FDG-PET and PSMA-PET torso. Estimates within ± 25% of the available published costs were considered accurate.

RESULTS: A total of 44 participants (18 in internal medicine, 15 in surgery, and 11 in radiology) were included. No resident accurately estimated all imaging costs, with accuracies ranging from 18% for contrast-enhanced CT of the chest and abdomen to 39% for two-view chest X-rays. Cost estimation accuracy did not significantly vary by specialty or training duration. Most participants were concerned about the affordability of medical care within or beyond the next five years (80%, 95%), 66% of residents felt that doctors bear responsibility for limiting healthcare costs, and 89% agreed that education about the financial aspects of medical imaging is useful.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that residents are financially illiterate regarding medical imaging costs, and neither the duration of training nor specialty influences their knowledge levels. Nevertheless, residents share common concerns and responsibilities about rising healthcare costs and express a desire for additional education regarding the finance of medical imaging.

KEY POINTS: Question Assessing the knowledge levels of residents regarding medical imaging costs provides valuable information for policymakers involved in the design of medical curricula. Findings Residents from internal medicine, surgery, and radiology demonstrate limited knowledge of medical imaging costs but appear eager to learn. Clinical relevance There is a need to educate residents about the costs of medical imaging, promote the efficient use of limited resources, and reduce overall healthcare expenses.