The increasing costs and complexity of technologic advances in diagnosis and treatment have been ac companied by other important issues. They are often moral or ethical in nature; they include the public's desire and determination to have access to these "high-tech" advances; and the quality and equity with which those advances are apportioned and applied must be addressed. Seven criteria that can be applied to technology assessment are identified as is a process for that assessment. Together, these procedures can provide valuable information and assistance to those who make decisions about health benefits coverage— both in the public and the private sectors.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Barnes BA, Bunker JP, Mosteller F.Costs, Risks and Benefits of Surgery, New York , Oxford University Press, 1977.
2.
Conti CR, Russell, RO, Resnekov, L., et al.Unstable angina pectoris: National cooperative study group to compare medical and surgical therapy. Am J Cardiol1976;37:896-902.
3.
CASS Principal Investigator and Associates, Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS): A randomized trial of coronary artery bypass surgeryCirculation1983;68:939-950.
4.
Jannssen TJ, Norris CKTechnology Assessment and Coverage Decisionmaking in the Department of Health and Human Services : Final Report Submitted to Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and EvaluationUS Department of Health and Human Services, Macro Systems, August 1984.
