The Technological Assessment Process

Q5. Step 1: Search for literature

To start, the insurance organization will be approached by the developers of a new technology and/or the clinicians who want to utilize it in order to have it included as a reimbursable service under the terms of the insurance policies. The developers and the clinician will give the insurance agencies as much specific literature, opinions of medical specialty societies, physician's experties , and reports from government agencies to support the new technology. A complete formal assessment of the technology by whatever technology assessment process the plan uses, excluding cost or price of technology.

Step 2: Analyze data and form recommendation

University Faculty members who are experts in evaluating scientific evidence analyzed the published scientific literature and prepare a recommendation on the agenda topics to be reviewed by the Forum. Blue Shield of California foundation contracts with University of California, San Francisco ( UCSF) for evidence review and analysis and to prepare recommendations and written report for California Technology Assessment Forum(CTAF). To be considered safe and effective medical technologies must meet all five of the technology assessment criteria.

Step 3: Public meetings and invitations

Invitations are extended to leaders of local medical and professional societies, representatives of healthcare and regulatory agencies, physician experts from academic centers and the community, health plan representatives and manufacturers. Guest and medical professionals are invited to attend and comment at the meeting. A formal report will be filed with the scientific advisory panel.

Step 4: Vote by panel members

After the open public hearing, the scientific advisory committee decides whether the technology has been proven to be effective and then report its opinion to the health insurance plan requesting the technology assessment. The Forum panel may vote to accept, modify or reject the...