Technology assessment: approach and reimbursement.
METHODS
Review of technology assessment process for novel spine patient care.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss the issues surrounding the introduction of novel technologies for spine patient care.


BACKGROUND
The parties involved in the technology development and assessment process include clinicians, researchers, academic institutions, governmental organizations, and private health care payors.


METHODS
Description of the responsibilities and processes of various parties involved in technology assessment.


RESULTS
The process for introduction of novel spine technologies is complex and will become more efficient as each party involved increases its understanding of the roles played by all the others.


CONCLUSIONS
The technology assessment process involves clinicians, researchers, governmental agencies, and private payors. All must work in concert for the efficient introduction of safe, efficacious, reasonable, and cost-effective novel treatments for spine patients.
Yaszemski
Michael J
MJ
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. yaszemski.michael@mayo.edu
Polly
David W
DW
Boden
Scott D
SD
Andersson
Gunnar B J
GB
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010820:Physicians / Q000191:economics; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000191:economics*; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration / Q000191:economics