title: EXPANDING EVIDENCE-BASED TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT FOR COVERAGE IN WASHINGTON STATE.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We describe a new evidence-based method for screening and evaluating emerging medical technologies. Washington State agencies, under legislative direction, have granted authority to its agency Medical Directors and policy leaders to make coverage decisions on medical technologies using a "dossier" process. The dossier process is employed when technology advocates or manufacturers request Washington State healthcare purchasers to pay for new and emerging technologies. This offers the advocate an opportunity to submit scientific evidence and information classically associated with a more formal health technology assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The submitted information is independently reviewed and summarized for Washington State's public healthcare purchasers allowing a more standardized coverage decision for all public purchasers in Washington State.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This process has allowed Washington State to make twelve evidence-based coverage decisions at a fraction of the cost of classic technology assessment. To date, of twelve reviews over 6 years, one health technology was approved for coverage, ten were not covered and one did not require a coverage decision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This evidence-based dossier process has yielded high-value coverage decisions of new and emerging medical technologies for public healthcare purchasers in Washington State.
authors: University of Washington School of Pharmacyerikl@uw.edu.
authors: Erik J
authors: EJ
authors: Landaas
authors: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries,Office of the Medical DirectorUniversity of Washington School of Public Health.
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Franklin
authors: Willis Towers Watson.
authors: Jeff
authors: J
authors: Thompson
authors: Washington State Health Care Authority.
authors: Dan
authors: D
authors: Lessler
authors: Washington State Health Care Authority.
authors: Josiah
authors: J
authors: Morse
authors: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries,Office of the Medical Director.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Mootz
authors: Washington State Department of Corrections.
authors: Steven G
authors: SG
authors: Hammond
authors: University of Washington School of Pharmacy.
authors: Sean D
authors: SD
authors: Sullivan
mesh_terms: D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005380:Financing, Government; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000191:economics*; D014861:Washington
keywords: Coverage decisions; Devices; Evidence-based medicine; Health technologies; Technology assessment