About Us

The California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF) is a public service forum that assesses new and emerging medical technology.

Why Do We Need Technology Assessment?

The rapid growth of new medical technologies represents the single most important change in the delivery of health care America. While new technologies are already having a significant effect on the health status of patients and consumers, the risks of misuse and overuse are significant. The Institute of Medicine recommends that increased objectivity and transparency regarding new technologies is one of the crucial changes needed for the restructuring of the American healthcare delivery system. CTAF is an active proponent of Evidence-Based Medicine.

CTAF and Blue Shield of California Foundation

Blue Shield of California Foundation spearheads the California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF), managing technology assessment reviews and organizing all CTAF meetings and events.  
What the Forum Is What the Forum Is Not
A community forum decicated to
  • objectivity and transparency regarding medical technologies
  • dialog and decisions regarding the safety and effectiveness of new and emerging technologies
  • A revenue-generating organization
  • A consultant organization
  • An endorser of specific technologies
  • An advocacy organization
  • An organization that determines health plan benefit coverage

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2010 - California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF) Technology Assessments now Available on Medscape

CTAF Mission

The mission of the California Technology Assessment Forum is to identify medical technologies that improve health.

The vision of the California Technology Assessment Forum is a culture of patient care in which the use of medical technologies is based on scientific evidence.

CTAF's Guiding Principles

  • Objective
  • Transparent
  • Evidence-based
  • Committed to physician and public involvement
  • Credible
  • Patient-centered

Learn More About CTAF

Members
Learn about our panel members.

History
Find out about the history of CTAF.

CTAF Staff
Find out more about our staff.

 
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