Evaluation of Medical-Technology Strategies

This two-part report was submitted to the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment as part of a study entitled "Strategies for Medical Technology Assessment." In Part I we examine the effects of coverage and reimbursement on biomedical innovation. We conclude that the absence of a consistent and explicit policy of reimbursement for new technologies results in the escalation of charges and provides incentives to conceal innovations. The failure to develop a consistent reimbursement policy is attributed to inadequate technology assessment. In Part II we propose the creation of a private institute for healthcare evaluation. The goals of the proposed institute would . . .