One of the main purposes of medical cost-benefit analysis is to define the rational priorities in health care. This book undertakes a cost benefit analysis of three countries: the United States, Germany and Israel. Cardiovascular disease is examined in order to provide a model case study, but other areas also provide examples. The contributors consider in particular two recent developments: the increase in comprehensive epidemiological data, especially with regard to risk factors; and improved methodology for measuring the quality of life.
