Affordable medical technologies: bringing Value-Based Design into global health

Abstract

The implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has spurred a renewed focus on the concept of value, or health outcome per cost expended. Though interventions have generally centered around insurance reform and healthcare delivery, medical technology comprises a significant component of US healthcare costs and is an under emphasized sector in the push for reform. The drivers of medical technology costs, accounting for as much as 65% of the increase in overall healthcare spending, include developing new or improved medical procedures, pharmaceutical products and devices or diagnostics.