Cost-effectiveness and cost containment. A physician's primer.

Cost-effectiveness and cost containment are becoming increasingly more important in medicine as health care costs continue to rise and as public attention continues to focus on these costs. This article examines the major issues and terminology of cost-effectiveness and cost containment in the context of primary care. A review of basic terminology and a quick reference glossary are included; relevant literature is reviewed. The goal of this article is to provide a beginning step for physicians to become more knowledgeable and enthusiastic participants in cost-effectiveness and cost-containment efforts.