The need for technology assessment in voluntary cost containment

Health care cost containment is a national concern. This concern is displayed through extensive regulations controlling hospital operations. Regulation has spread to include the purchase and usage of technology. Unfortunately, the extensive regulations are costly, with questionable effectiveness. The environmental influences on health care must be considered. In addition, better management and planning by individual institutions must be encouraged. Since the development and utilization of technology play a critical role, the Voluntary Effort to cost containment by hospitals must include provisions for the assessment of technology.