title: On the (near) equivalence of cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses.
abstract: Many people believe that cost-effectiveness (CE) and cost-benefit (CB) analyses require different assumptions. However, when CE analysis supports decisions to use medical resources, it makes the same assumptions that CB analysis requires. They are mathematically equivalent. Differences between CE and CB hinge more on reporting style than on fundamental assumptions.
authors.affiliation: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Phelps
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Mushlin
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States