The high cost of medical technology. Getting at the heart of the matter.
This article presents a review of the development of coronary care units (CCUs) as a paradigm for the uncritical acceptance of technology in medical services. Studies comparing CCU with other settings for treatment of acute myocardial infarction are described in which intensive care is not shown to offer a consistent benefit over more conservative treatment. The proliferation of CCUs as it relates to corporate involvement in medical research (as argued by Waitzkin) is presented. Finally, methodologies now being applied to improve patient selection for CCU services are summarized.
Siegel
D M
DM
Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14621.
D003325:Coronary Care Units / Q000191:economics*; D003363:Cost Control; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000628:therapy*; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D013675:Technology, High-Cost; D014481:United States