# Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in Brazil: an epidemiological study on the distribution of equipment and frequency of examinations, with comparisons between the public and private sectors

## TL;DR

This study compares the availability and use of CT and MRI scans in Brazil's public and private healthcare systems across five regions from 2015 to 2021.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed time-series analysis of CT and MRI equipment and examination trends in Brazil's public and private sectors.

## Key findings

- Private sector outperformed public sector in acquiring CT and MRI equipment and conducting examinations.
- Public health system failed to meet equipment and examination targets set by the National Ministry of Health in all regions.
- Equipment and examination volumes increased progressively in all regions over the study period.

## Abstract

To compare information on highly complex radiological procedures—computed tomography (CT)
and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—between the public and private health care systems,
across the five regions of Brazil, in terms of the numbers of radiological devices and
examinations performed, between 2015 and 2021.

This was a descriptive time series analysis of secondary data in the public domain,
available from the Information Technology Department of the Brazilian Unified Health Care
System, an entity of the Brazilian National Ministry of Health (NMH) that is responsible for
collecting and storing health-related information in Brazil. The analysis included the numbers
of CT and MRI scanners; the volumes and types of examinations; the type of institution (public
or private); the regions of the country; and the years (2015 to 2021).

Progressive increases in the numbers of CT and MRI devices, as well as in the volumes of
examinations, were observed over the years in all regions of the country. The private sector
showed higher rates of equipment acquisition and of growth in the number of examinations.
However, the public health care system did not reach the equipment targets set by the NMH,
whereas the private health care system surpassed those targets. A greater number of
examinations were performed in the private sector than in the public sector.

During the period evaluated, the public health care system did not meet the equipment or
examination targets recommended by the NMH, in any of the regions of the country, unlike the
private health care system, which exceeded both in all of the regions.