OBJECTIVES: The proliferation and uneven diffusion of new medical technologies in recent years has been raising concerns on affordability and equity of care, inspiring the publication of scientific papers on the determinants of their adoption. An understanding of the determinants spurring adoption and diffusion of innovative medical technologies is relevant for Policymakers because it helps them implementing evidence-based health policies aimed at influencing the adoption of innovation, thus reducing inequities in uptake rates across areas and populations. We identified the empirical literature investigating the determinants of adoption and diffusion of innovative health technologies. Our goal was to discuss the existence of consensus on the direction and significance of the factors that influence their adoption in each phase of technologies life cycle (i.e., early adoption, adoption, diffusion). METHODS: We performed a systematic review of quantitative empirical literature. RESULTS:  We identified a total of 33 studies, published between 1977 and 2014. We conclude that early adoption of innovative technologies is positively affected by physician characteristics (e.g., experience with new technology by himself or by other physicians in the same hospital) and fee-for-service reimbursement scheme. The probability of adoption is mainly driven by provider characteristics (e.g., size, importance of being perceived as technology leaders, previous adoption of similar/substitute technologies, strong medical staff involvement in acquisition decisions), by physician experience with the technology and by the new technology expected impact on hospitals and physicians revenues. Socio-economic determinants (e.g., health expenditure), hospitals and physicians reimbursement schemes, market structure (e.g., number of providers, number of substitute procedures), provider features (e.g., size, quality of care, reputation), and physician characteristics (e.g., experience with technology, innovator status of the team) significantly increase the extent of diffusion. CONCLUSIONS:  Our results can be used as a guide by Policymakers who wish to influence the adoption of new medical technologies with evidence-based decisions.