The Cost-effectiveness of Iodine 131 Scintigraphy, Ultrasonography, and Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in the Initial Diagnosis of Solitary Thyroid Nodules

Abstract

A diagnostic strategy using initial fine-needle aspiration biopsy for palpable thyroid nodules was found to be cost-effective compared with the other approaches as long as a payor's willingness to pay for an additional correct diagnosis is less than 1212 dollars. Prospective studies are needed to validate these finding in clinical practice.