Comparative Effectiveness is a Paper Tiger
In August 2009, results from a pair of rigorous double-blind randomized controlled trials were published and reported that vertebroplasty provided no better pain relief than a sham procedure in which needles were introduced into the back without injecting cement. More than two years after publication of the two studies, insurers’ coverage of the procedure continues unchanged. […]
…. But without action from Medicare, many private payers believed that they lacked the legitimacy to lead in adjusting coverage; “their hands were tied,” as one put it. […]
Health Affairs study here [gated, but with abstract]. HT: Austin Frakt.
Not surprising.
Maybe, so. But it could become a monster.
So we just keep paying for care we know does not work. Hard to believe that some people want to turn our entire health care system over to private insurers.
Steve
When it ceases becoming a paper tiger, watch out.