Technology assessment in pathology.

Technology assessment consists of the determination of the importance, size, or value of scientific knowledge and technique. It is an everyday event in the practice of pathology on an individual level and by pathology organizations. Many powerful and expensive new technologies are being developed and applied and must, of necessity, be assessed for safety, efficacy, feasibility, and indications for use, cost, effectiveness, and consequences. Many elaborate assessment methodologies have been developed by various medical organizations. Changing physician behavior to be certain patients get what is needed, not necessarily what is wanted, is a principal imperative.