Comparing Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography Machine Accessibility Among Urban and Rural County Hospitals in Wisconsin.

Abstract

Introduction: There is higher disease incidence and worse outcomes in rural America when compared to urban America. In states like Wisconsin, where 32.9% of the population resides in rural areas, this is particularly worrisome. The Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform found that 30% of rural hospitals in the US are at risk of closing due to financial instability. A substantial cost to rural hospitals is the provision of radiologic services. Thus, the study investigated if a disparity exists in availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) machines among Wisconsin's urban and rural county hospitals.

Methods: Wisconsin hospitals were asked how many MRI and CT machines were carried at their facility. This information was compiled in a spreadsheet and cross-referenced with the county in which it resided, along with the county's population, urban-rural classification, and land area in square miles.

Results: We found that the state of Wisconsin compared favorably with the national average in terms of the number of persons and square miles per MRI and CT machine. When comparing Wisconsin counties based on their urban-rural classification, a disparity exists in rural counties regarding square mileage per CT and MRI machine.

Conclusions: With distance for service creating a barrier to accessibility, rural county residents would benefit from more in-hospital MRI and CT machines. Based on these findings, further research is warranted to investigate the potential vulnerability of other rural populations regarding accessibility to radiologic resources.