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Can magnetocardiography decrease ED overcrowding, increase hospital bed capacity, and save hospitals money?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The objectives of this study are to demonstrate the time and cost savings of magnetocardiography (MCG) compared to other noninvasive cardiac imaging (NCI) tests, specifically in regard to time, number of skilled healthcare personnel (HCP), and cost of skilled HCP, medications and supplies, including contrast agents and radiotracers required to perform each test. This is a multicenter study comparing the time, skilled HCP, and costs needed to perform MCG and other NCI from four urban and community hospitals. Time needed to perform each test, the number of skilled HCP required, and costs for labor, supplies/drugs and contrast agents/radiotracers. Median time in minutes for obtaining ETT 60, SE 75, DSE 75, MPI-SPECT 225, MPI-PET 180, cMRI 90, and cCTA 75, MCG 15. Median number of skilled HCP required for performing the NCI were ETT 1.5, SE 2.5, DSE 2.5, MPI-SPECT 3.0, MPI-PET 3.0, cMRI 2.5, cCTA 2, and MCG 1. Median skilled HCP and their costs was ETT $71.23, SE $150.43, DSE $153.91, MPI-SPECT $625.18, MPI-PET $403.62, cMRI $95.41, cCTA $138.03, and MCG $8.75. There is a time, skilled HCP and cost savings by using MCG versus other NCI for the evaluation of chest pain. Further studies are needed to validate MCG as an alternative to other NCI so these benefits can be realized. • The time to test for MCG and the time to perform magnetocardiography (MCG) is much shorter than for other noninvasive cardiac imaging (NCI) modalities including stress testing and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), which should improve turnaround time (TAT), and decrease emergency department (ED) crowding and improve hospital bed capacity. • MCG requires no provocative medications and/or exercise, thereby avoiding any risk of adverse reactions to medications or provoking further myocardial injury and causing dangerous events such as ventricular arrhythmias. Moreover, since no medications are administered or exercise required, cancellations and delays are less likely. • The limited availability and shortage of skilled health care professionals (HCP) can lead to delays and even cancellations in diagnostic testing. MCG is easier to perform and more automated than the other NCI, therefore requiring fewer skilled HCP. • The hours of time required of less skilled HCP to perform MCG means decreased skilled HCP costs for the hospital. • The absence of radiocontrast materials or pharmaceutical agents required to perform MCG eliminates supply chain issues and decreases material and drug costs for the hospital

Source: American Heart Journal Plus Cardiology Research and Practice

DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2025.100705