🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

When comparing two medical interventions, Treatment A costs $50,000 and adds 2 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), while Treatment B costs $75,000 and adds 3 QALYs. Which of the following statements is true regarding their cost-effectiveness?

A Treatment A is more cost-effective than Treatment B.
B Treatment B is more cost-effective than Treatment A.
C Both treatments have the same cost-effectiveness ratio.
D Cost-effectiveness cannot be determined without knowing the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Cost-effectiveness is calculated as cost per QALY. Treatment A: $50,000 / 2 QALYs = $25,000/QALY. Treatment B: $75,000 / 3 QALYs = $25,000/QALY. Both have the same ratio.

💡 Why is C) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "When comparing two medical interventions, Treatment A costs $50,000 and adds 2 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), while Treatment B costs $75,000 and adds 3 QALYs. Which of the following statements is true regarding their cost-effectiveness?" is Option C: Both treatments have the same cost-effectiveness ratio..

The other options — A) Treatment A is more cost-effective than Treatment B., B) Treatment B is more cost-effective than Treatment A., D) Cost-effectiveness cannot be determined without knowing the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Cost-effectiveness is calculated as cost per QALY. Treatment A: $50,000 / 2 QALYs = $25,000/QALY. Treatment B: $75,000 / 3 QALYs = $25,000/QALY. Both have the same ratio.

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 3 – Clinical Management topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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