New technologies have developed so rapidly that the evaluation of their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness has lagged. Because of this lag, (1) patients may not receive the optimal technology for their care, (2) hospitals and industry may not invest in cost-effective technologies, and (3) practitioners may cling to inappropriate technologies. Technology assessment offers a bridge between basic research and development and prudent, practical application of medical technology. This well-written book incorporates the insights of nearly 50 authors who assess technology. Defining terms illustrates the application of technology assessment. Technology embraces drugs, devices, medical and surgical procedures, support systems, and organizational systems. Assessment denotes any process of examining and reporting properties of medical technology such as safety, efficacy, feasibility, and indications for use. One example of technology assessment comes from the joint American College of Cardiology/American Hospital Association task force that is assessing noninvasive and invasive procedures in the diagnosis and