The relationship of patient waiting time to capacity and utilization in emergency room radiology.

The relationship between patient waiting time and capacity and utilization is quantified. By deciding upon the average acceptable and maximum allowable waiting times, the required capacity and resulting utilization rate are fixed. The data needed for analysis include waiting time, patient volume, time required for specific types of examinations, and technologist and equipment capacity. Cost reduction is achieved without adversely affecting waiting time if volume variability can be reduced. Steps to increase productivity should also be considered as a means of reducing cost per examination, given the cost structure in emergency room radiology and the personnel costs.