The technological efficiency of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) services within eight Australian states and territories is focused on within this particular study. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was applied with two inputs—the number of radiographers and scanners estimated—and one output—MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule) services per 1,000 people. The efficiency was calculated with the help of four standard DEA models, i.e., CCR, BCC Input-Oriented, BCC Output-Oriented, and the Additive model. The result of the study was a counter-intuitive finding: most models identified the Northern Territory (NT), a large and sparsely populated region, as the most effective unit for MRI and CT services. On the contrary, states with larger populations such as Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales were still in the poor relative performance rankings. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was also among the top but Tasmania had medium efficiency. The outcomes indicate that small and resource-limited systems can reach a very high technical efficiency by using the limited infrastructure extensively. Nevertheless, this is probably an outcome of the models' concentration on volume-based output and may not reflect performance dimensions such as case-mix complexity or equity of access, among others. The discoveries are a milestone for the choice of action of policymakers, pointing out that one should examine the factors causing inefficiency in the large and more complex state health systems.
