Cost-effectiveness treatment strategies for stone disease for the practicing urologist.

Kidney stone disease is rising in prevalence in the United States and abroad, and the cost burden of this condition is substantial. Although cost-effectiveness considerations are typically made by policymakers, individual practitioners have become increasingly involved in these discussions, to affect the rising costs of care and to assert control of treatment options. This article reviews existing literature regarding the cost-effectiveness of medical and surgical treatments for stone disease and identifies areas in which additional investigation is needed.