Economic decision analysis in the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: A methodologic primer

Douglas A. Conrad, Richard A. Doyo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article outlines basic principles for the economic analysis of clinical decisions. Using a hypothetical scenario invoking a patient with low back pain, the specific application of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is illustrated; and the two methodologies are compared. Cost-benefit analysis is advanced in the “gold standard” among the two approaches because it forces decision makers to explicitly value both the cost and health consequences of alternative clinical actions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2101-2106
Number of pages6
JournalSpine
Volume19
Issue number18
StatePublished - Sep 1994
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • Cost-effectiveness analysis
  • Discounting
  • Net benefit
  • Net present value

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Clinical Neurology

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