The other side of innovation

Abstract

Government sponsored comparative effectiveness research is the first step towards allowing Uncle Sam to push a restrictive formulary on more and more Americans – with step one in the process being unfettered (and unregulated) communications efforts. Unless we are aware and vigilant, such cost-think may very well lead to a single-payer system referred to in cost-think as “universal coverage†– but in reality will be nothing short of healthcare rationing. There are many dangerous implications, but the most frightening is the chilling effect so-called comparative effectiveness programs will have on the future of healthcare innovation.