Figure 2.

Schematic representation of relative costs and benefits of neuroimaging for a patient with headaches in evaluation of a brain tumor. Increased costs (+), reduced costs (−), increased benefits (+) and reduced benefits (−) are shown for each condition on the left. Generalized patient-tailored cost-benefit schematic is shown on the right. For example, neuroimaging in a headache patient who ultimately does not harbor a brain tumor (bottom right) leads to imaging expenses but reduces perceived costs in medical errors and liability. Benefits for this patient includes addressing patient uncertainty, improved patient satisfaction and rapid pursuit of other headache etiologies.