Neurocirugia: comparacion de tarifas entre Latinoamerica y Estados Unidos / Neurosurgery comparison of surgical rates between Latinoamerica and USA

ABSTRACT

Introduction: At present with the globalize world there is substantial information of medicine cost analysis. In neurosurgery main expenses comes from diagnostic studies, medical supplies, drugs and the neurosurgeon´s fees. In this paper I will try to examine and compare the costs variables of neurosurgery between Latin America and USA. Method: The comparison is done between the costs at a University Clinical Hospital in Latin America with a standard University Hospital in USA. Results: While the price of the MRI, CT, angiography equipment and other instruments are about the same in both areas, the price for these exams may be 6 to 10 times higher in USA. Investment for research at the Universities may increase these costs. The neurosurgeons fees for a mayor neurosurgical intervention (brain tumor, epilepsy surgery, etc), is 5 to 10 times higher in USA than in a Latin America country like Argentina or Chile. Conclusion: from this comparative analysis, USA neurosurgeon´s income is several times higher than their Latin American colleagues. However their taxes and malpractice insurance costs are also elevated. The latter in Latin America is increasing but at a mild pace in most countries. In conclusion the main difference on the cost of neurosurgery in Latin America and USA. Comes from the neurosurgeons salaries and secondly from the infra-structure. With globalization it may be possible that in the future the North American private health insurance companies may pay theirs patient´s trips to be operated in selected centers in the South