Evaluation of Medical Costs Resulting from Inappropriate Prescriptions of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Knee Joint, using RAND Method in Ghaem Hospital- 2013

Knee pain is a common complaint among patients; and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is repeatedly used to diagnose the problem. There are insufficient scientific evidences to make appropriate decisions in clinical diagnosis in Iran. This study aimed to evaluate medical costs resulting from inappropriate prescriptions of the MRIs for knee joint، using RAND Method in Ghaem Hospital- 2013. First، we conducted a qualitative study to develop the knee MRI indications and scenarios using the RAM (RAND Appropriated Method). Then، data were gathered through a cross-sectional study. To determine the appropriateness of the prescriptions، the histories of 115 patients with knee pain were assessed. Sixty three scenarios for knee MRI (in 26 indications) were extracted from the selected clinical guidelines. Among scenarios، 50. 79% were considered as appropriate، 19. 04% were uncertain، and 30. 17% were inappropriate. From 115 cases of knee MRI prescriptions، 63 cases (54. 8%) were considered as inappropriate، 17 cases (14. 8%) were uncertain، and 35 cases (30. 4%) were appropriate. The economic burden of inappropriate prescriptions was 38159100 Rials. Developing، customizing، and performing clinical guidelines are necessary and may improve quality of care and prevent unnecessary costs.