Psychology intervention and cost containment.

Psychology Intervention, i.e., evaluafion and treatment by Psychologists, can reduce costs of medical rehabilitafion. With rising costs of health care and rapidly shrinking resources, it is imperative that expenditures are carefully monitored for effectiveness and efficiency. The great majority of studies of Psychology intervention have focused on that aspect of effectiveness which relates to outcome as a function of procedures. They are studies of change in quality of life as the result of treatment. This is a critical question, and justifiably must be primary. The question of efficacy has been resolved to the satisfaction of most researchers. Psychological evaluation is valid in defining character and functioning, and treatment is effective in improving quality of life.