A dangerous plan for rationing essential prescription drugs
The midterms are over and it’s time to get back to discussing issues that impact Americans on a daily basis. Things like health care and, specifically how to reduce costs.…
Meet the Organization You’ve Never Heard of That Decides Whether or Not You Get the Drugs You Need
If you’re suffering from a rare, debilitating disease like MS, or cystic fibrosis, or some forms of cancer, and you need a boutique biologic to save your life, Dr. Steve…
One-Size-Fits-All Cost-Based Formulas: Rationing Care for Cancer Patients
There’s a little-known group out there that just made several disappointing recommendations for all those living with prostate cancer. Sadly, it could mean the difference between life or death for…
Don’t put a price cap on people’s lives
We should resist dangerous effort to limit health care coverage WHEN A PERSON is first diagnosed with epilepsy their world is turned upside down. The questions come fast and furious.…
Preserve Hope and Access to Live-Saving Treatments
Hope is a powerful elixir. My family was dealt an unexpected blow nearly 26 years ago when our son Gunnar was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a debilitating genetic disease for…
The Danger of “Value Frameworks” in Medicine
By Terry Wilcox In the debate over prescription drug prices, one group is being overlooked: people with rare diseases. The needs of these patients, who rely on specialty medications for their…
Column: Calculating patient’s ‘worth’ by simple formula is wrong
Is a person with a chronic illness less valuable than a healthy person? I realize this is an uncomfortable question, but as our elected officials and policy makers address the…
Preserve Hope and Access to Life-Saving Treatments
Hope is a powerful elixir. My family was dealt an unexpected blow nearly 26 years ago when our son Gunnar was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a debilitating genetic disease for…
Nothing Nice About ICER
The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) is emerging as a major player in the health care cost debate. The organization through its affiliates is holding public meetings focusing…
The Insurance Companies’ Latest Target: Specialty Drugs
Read the headlines these days and you’d think the health insurance companies are going broke. It’s true most insurers offering Obamacare are losing money on it. UnitedHealth Group, the nation’s largest…