PURPOSES:This study focuses the orbital exams of ultrassononography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and has the following purposes: Collecting the paid amounts by Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB) and private clinic tables. Reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of the referred diagnostic tests. Suggesting administrative efficiency measures related to these tests in the orbit. METHODS: The costs were achieved based on the amounts paid by SUS, brazilian medical insurance companies and private clinics in Rio de Janeiro City. Bibliographic research of the advantages and disadvantages of these tests. RESULTS: Amounts of these tests in reais (R$): US: 9,05 SUS / 81,77 AMB 90 / 57,01 AMB/CIEFAS 93 / 102,00 AMB/LPM 99 / 158,33 private clinics. CT 86,76 SUS / 193,70 AMB90 / 196,30 AMB/CIEFAS 93 / 204,12 AMB/LPM 99 / 255,33 private clinics MRI: 268,75 SUS / 475,80 AMB 90 and AMB/CIEFAS 93 / 472,50 AMB/LPM 99 / 563,33 private clinics. The advantages and disadvantages of these tests were described according to the literature review. CONCLUSION: Knowing the tests costs and its advantages and disadvantages are important strategies to improve efficiency in diagnostic imaging. It was also concluded the need of new clinical studies that includes economic evaluation of cost-effectiveness in US, CT and MRI exams in orbital diseases which allow the development of clinical practice guidelines or clinical protocols to be applied in medical and administrative decision making.
Practice management, medical; Ultrassonography; Tomography, X-ray computed; Magnetic resonance imaging; Orbit
