Evaluation of
new technology
New technologies are developed to
diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Many of these improve current options to
treat a specific condition. However, some
new technologies may not be as effective
and may expose patients to needless
risks. Although new technologies may
be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), their approval
does not guarantee the technology is
beneficial. Also, many surgical procedures
do not require FDA approval.
To ensure that our members have the
most appropriate treatment options,
we evaluate new and existing medical
technologies. The M-Tech Committee,
which is composed of doctors, nurses,
and other healthcare professionals,
reviews devices, drugs, and procedures.
An M-Tech review includes studying all
valid published studies. The Committee
then asks local doctors for feedback
and analyzes the cost and effectiveness
of the new technology. This helps the
Committee determine whether a new
technology should be covered.
New technologies must meet
these requirements:
•
They must be medically necessary
to preserve, restore, or improve the
health of the individual.
•
They must provide a proven benefit.
•
They need to be of equal or better
cost-effectiveness when compared to
the technology they replace.
Staying on the
cutting edge
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| spring 2014 | Total Fitness
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