Economic analysis of a comprehensive quality assurance program.

The quality assurance program at The University of Alabama in Birmingham is briefly reviewed and its economic efficacy examined. The development of the program was the result of the cooperative effort of the quality control technologists, the radiological service engineering staff, and the radiation physicists. Analysis of our film and chemistry consumption before and after the program was established indicates that its implementation has saved the hospital approximately $27,000 per year after personnel cost for the last four years. A further $32,000 to $55,000 savings per year is realized by having in house rather than contracted service.