Patient demands often outweigh science in coverage rulings

Article Abstract:

An increase in new drugs and medical procedures is pressuring health plans and employers to step up health care coverage for employees, a trend that often results in providers allocating money for experimental treatments that are later proved ineffective or dangerous. To deal with demand, Southwestern Bell employees pay a supplemental monthly premium to cover their additional medical needs, and health maintenance organization Oxford Health Plans offers coverage of comprehensive alternative services.

Telecommunications, Health Care, Health Care and Social Assistance, Telephone Communication, Management, Services, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Medical care, SBC, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs, Oxford Health Plans Inc., OXHP, Southwestern Bell Corp.

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HMOs value research - if others pay for it

Article Abstract:

Many experts believe that managed-care organizations are not spending as much as they should on medical research and technology evaluations. Andersen Consulting's James Andersen noted that managed care, while it has highlighted the worth of technology assessment, has reduced the funding available for it. ECRI VP Jeffrey C. Lerner added that managed-care organizations want the results of medical studies but are unwilling to finance those studies.

Medical Research, Finance, Managed care plans (Medical care)

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Assessment's effect on use: a case study

Article Abstract:

Autologous bone marrow transplants has become an increasingly popular choice among patients and physicians for the treatment of breast cancer. However, a recent case study reveals that survival times for patients who undergo the transplant are shorter than those who do not have the transplant. A meta-analysis of medical literature indicates that transplant successes are anecdotal or have flaws in their research.

Cancer R&D, Health aspects, Cancer research

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