Model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) is a new type of quantitative analysis method, random effects in statistics will be found and put into the model as well as covariates. The final model has a strong predictive ability, can be conducted to make clinical decisions and evaluation. For its complexity, MBMA study is difficult to perform which restricted its application. By summarizing current published MBMA studies as well as the authors' experience, this article introduced the principle, method and status of MBMA.