MRI Scan cost is composed of following two components:
1. Machine Related Procedure: We can call it scanning process that takes up nearly 95% on cost side.
2. Human related procedure: We can call it reporting process that takes up just 5% on cost side.
1st cost component depends investment in machine and set-up. If longer term or concessional finance was resorted and lab owners prefer they can bring down the overall offerings in MRI and CT scan. Like in Chennai, some diagnostic labs would peg the MRI for plain brain study at Rs 3000 to Rs 4000, which is highly discounted price in other parts of India.
However most importantly, 2nd cost component is hidden that deals with radiologists. The quality of report depends on who is reporting the case. For patients, there is no way to avoid diagnostic labs . There is no system to choose a radiologist on their own. Prima-facie, if the Lab appoint full-time Radiologists, internal cost structure of a single MRI suggests Rs 200 to Rs 300 per report of his critical efforts i.e less than 5% of overall Scan price. Most of the time, reporting task is outsourced at these internal cost figures only. The part that plays major role in deciding the fate of treatment is grossly under-paid!! This is a major question to the ecosystem.
NO DOUBT there needs a system that saves hard-earned money of patients on Scan but equally good to avail a new disruption that offers him access to rated radiologists!
