Abstract #3380

Influence of Financial and Socioeconomic Factors on MR Imaging Follow-up Time in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Rishab Agarwal¹, Gelareh Sadigh^2,3, Jason W. Allen³, David Sandlin⁴, and Candace C. Fleischer^1,3

¹Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States, ²Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States, ³Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States, ⁴Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States

Synopsis

Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, Health Care Economics, Financial Toxicity, Imaging Follow-up TimeMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition relying heavily on repeated MR imaging, and patients are particularly vulnerable to “financial toxicity”, a component of healthcare economics defined as the effects of healthcare costs on patient well-being. Our goal was to explore the effects of financial and socioeconomic factors on MRI follow-up time in patients with MS. Financial liability, or patient cost after primary insurance coverage, was associated with longer MRI follow-up time, suggesting financial toxicity may contribute to imaging frequency in MS patients. Further investigation over a longer time period is warranted.

How to access this content:

For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.

After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.

After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.

Click here for more information on becoming a member.