MedTech Terms
    The authoritative reference
    All terms

    Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio

    Cost per additional unit of health outcome (often QALY) versus comparator.

    Reviewed by Christian Espinosa, Founder, Blue Goat CyberLast reviewed May 5, 2026

    Definition

    ICER = (Cost_new − Cost_comparator) / (Effect_new − Effect_comparator). A foundational HTA metric. The U.S. organization ICER (Institute for Clinical and Economic Review) produces influential value assessments.

    What this means in practice

    Often confused with the U.S. organization of the same name. Manufacturers must distinguish between the math and the organization in commercial conversations.

    Primary references

    3 sources
    Link health: 2 verified 1 needs review· last checked 2026-05-09
    ICER·1AdvaMed·1CMS·1
    1. 1
      ICER (US)
      Verified
      ICERicer.org
    2. 2
      AdvaMed - Payment & Coverage
      Verified
      AdvaMedadvamed.org
    3. 3
      CMS - Coverage
      Needs review
      CMScms.gov

    Inline markers like [1] jump to the matching reference above.