Comparative Effectiveness Plan Sparks Debate
The Obama administration plans to spend $1.1 billion over the next several years to study the effectiveness of competing treatments for common conditions. Supporters argue that comparative effectiveness studies could curb the widespread use of ineffective treatments and help to curb costs, but opponents warn that the plan could lead to adequate treatment and potentially health care rationing.
- "New Effort Reopens a Medical Minefield" (Meier, New York Times, 5/7).