An actuarial model approach to assessing the impact of serial testing for prostate cancer using the Tandem PSA assay

This article summarizes an analytical approach to modeling prostate cancer detection scenarios that health-care plans, i.e., managed care organizations, can use to assist them in making early detection policy decisions. The actuarial modeling approach incorporates current variations in clinical practice with costs for the purpose of generating per member per month outputs. The intent of this approach is to provide laboratories with a tool to provide a value-added service to their managed care customers. The model can be tailored to an array of managed care plans and payer financial arrangements. Included here is a summary of an oral presentation from the Outcomes Conference at the CLMA meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota in August of 1995. This material was presented by Robert Parson.