MEDICINE: A COLD LOOK AT THE COST OF SAVING LIVES

摘要

How much is a year of life worth? This may seem like a question that should never be asked―and in the U. S., it rarely is. But as ever more expensive medical treatments and tests are introduced, our society will have to face this issue head on. "In the current health-care environment, ignoring cost is no longer tenable," says Dr. David Atkins, science adviser to the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of medical experts.