This paper explores the emergence, evolution and dominance of four predominant mean-ings of the concept of medical necessity that have been used in past and current health policy debates about the appropriate level of service coverage under Canada’s health insurance pro-gram. Data for this...

Technology refers to the body of knowledge concerning the conversion of inputs into outputs. The health-care system produces health-care services. Health-care services in turn, in conjunction with the activities of the patient, her genetic endowment, and a considerable amount of random...