High technology: miracle or malady for patient care.

Trends in medicine in the United States today are toward a more widespread application of high technology equipment and procedures. The patient can perceive these new technologies as both miracles and maladies in their health care delivery. While a benefit to the treatment of the disease process is usually very clear, the impact on the person as a whole is often forgotten. The article is intended to focus on the impact of high technology on the patient as a person.