A Profit and Loss Analysis for Radiotherapy on Japanese Hospital

Abstract

　In Japan, linear accelerators account for the largest number of active devices. As a medical device, the linear accelerator continues to be indispensable for future cancer treatment; however, studies on the profitability of linear accelerator systems are still insufficient. In this study, we estimate cost and income associated with linear accelerator systems per facility according to hospital size and region. We analyzed the profitability of the introduction of linear accelerator systems in 2014 according to hospital size and the prefecture in which the hospital was located. Furthermore, we analyzed the factors associated with differences in income and expenditure. For small hospitals specialized in radiotherapy and large hospitals, the annual income per facility was potentially profitable. However, mid-sized hospitals and hospitals in some prefectures had the potential to incur a loss. These differences may be due to the number of treated patients or purchase price of equipment. Because the number of patients who receive radiotherapy is expected to increase in the future, radiotherapy will have a big influence on hospital management. Regarding the introduction of linear accelerator systems, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the direct balance of payment and the indirect influence of combination therapy (e.g., chemotherapy) on the balance, and the clinical necessity of the introduction of such systems in each medical facility.