Cost-effectiveness analyses: a basic overview for dermatologists.
BACKGROUND
In the current age of limited health care resources, cost-effectiveness analyses are important since they provide information that can be used by decision-makers for prioritizing and setting health care policies.


OBJECTIVE
This article gives a conceptual overview of cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) by discussing their strengths and limitations, introducing the calculations and variables involved, and outlining the issues in interpreting CEAs using dermatological examples.


CONCLUSIONS
Cost-effectiveness analyses are important tools that dermatologists can use to compare medical interventions using costs, effectiveness, and health outcomes.
Chen
S C
SC
Department of Dermatology and the Emory Center for Outcomes Research, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. schen@ecor.cardio.emory.edu
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003880:Dermatology / Q000191:economics*; D004470:Economics, Medical; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years