ABSTRACT
Technology assessment has been highly fragmented and sporadic in the United States. As a society, we have failed to make systematic decisions about research and development of medical technologies such as: Who should determine whether a particular technology should be developed and funded? On what basis should individuals be provided access once a technology is available in the marketplace? What level of technological intervention is appropriate for a specific medical problem? What is the total impact of the rapid spread of high-cost medical technologies on society in general and on the U.S. healthcare system in particular (Blank 1989)?
