COST-EFFECTIVENESS IN TRAUMA CARE

Traumatic injury exacts high costs not only in terms of death but also in pain and suffering, years of lost productivity, and consumption of medical resources. Despite the staggering statistics, the American he alth care system has not yet developed cost-effective means of deliver ing trauma care. In fact, economic disincentives discourage the develo pment and continuation of trauma care systems. Strategies for cost con tainment must focus on improved reimbursement rates for trauma care, i ncreased government funding, cost-effective diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and prevention of intentional and unintentional injuries.