Diagnostic and Therapeutic Assessment Program (DATTA) (July 1996)

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers understand the role of formal technology assessment in health care decision-making and why such evaluations may be consulted in coding and reimbursement-related discussions.

Article Sections

1. A Brief History

   Background on the development of the program and its growth over time. This section also describes its reach and general place within the health care community.

2. Defining Technology Assessment

   A general explanation of technology assessment and the kinds of health care decisions it can support. The section addresses its relationship to broader policy and clinical evaluation activities.

3. What Makes DATTA Unique?

   An overview of the program’s distinguishing features, including sponsorship, methodology, and use of expert input. It contrasts the program with other technology assessment approaches at a high level.

4. Questions to Consider

   A description of how topics are identified, screened, and prioritized for evaluation. The section outlines the general review and expert-consultation workflow.

5. The DATTA Reference Panel

   Information about the composition, selection, and role of the physician reference panel. It explains how expertise from different specialties is incorporated into the process.

6. Rating Safety and Effectiveness

   An explanation of the evaluation survey process and the general rating framework used for technology assessments. It also describes how responses are compiled and analyzed.

7. The Final Evaluation

   A summary of how the final assessment is assembled, reviewed, and disseminated. This section also notes that evaluations may be revisited as new information becomes available.

8. The DATTA Panelists and CPT

   A discussion of how DATTA evaluations may intersect with CPT Editorial Panel considerations. It also mentions the kinds of professional uses these evaluations may support.