title: Interpreting cost-effectiveness in dialysis: can the most expensive be more expensive?
abstract: In this issue, Tonelli et al. describe the cost-effectiveness of arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) screening, and conclude that such a program represents "good value for money." Here, I examine the robustness of this conclusion by considering traditional definitions of acceptable cost-effectiveness and more pragmatic definitions, which include consideration of the maximum amount that society would be willing to pay for hemodialysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. phil.mcfarlane@utornto.ca
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: McFarlane
mesh_terms: D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000191:economics*; D016896:Treatment Outcome