Stimulus bill includes comparative effectiveness provision

Among the expenses in the $787 economic stimulus bill approved by Congress this week is $1.1 billion that will allow U.S. researchers, for the first time, to compare drugs, medical devices, surgery and other treatment options (Source: “U.S. to Compare Medical Treatments,” New York Times, Feb. 16, 2009).

Supporters of comparative effectiveness hail it as an opportunity to reduce health spending by discouraging the use of costly, ineffective treatments. However, critics argue that the practice will take control away from physicians and allow the federal government to intrude into patients’ health care by enforcing clinical guidelines and treatment protocols.