Expensive treatments lacking clinical evidence « The Science Business

In the latest print issue of Forbes, check out Pricey Little Pill, an essay on the history of Nexium from a health insurance and health dollars point of view. The story focuses on Rx spending, which is actually growing less rapidly than other health categories, at least for the moment. Back in the early part of the decade drug spending caused major heartburn, putting up double-digit annual growth figures that are similar to hospital rate increases today. The broader point is that whether it's Nexium or an expensive but dubious surgery--the health overhaul will do little to contain unnecessary spending.

Here are other Forbes stories in the "waste genre"--about expensive treatments lacking clinical evidence:

When to Say No to Your Doctor Find out how much of the $2.5 trillion we spend on health care goes down the drain for tests and treatments that don't help--and may even cause harm.

Who Needs Drug Studies?

Not Hot Enough: Ultrasound beams will someday replace painful surgeries, but not until the practice gains trust.

Back Surgery on Trial: Does back surgery really work?

Pill Pushers:  How the drug industry abandoned science for salesmanship.

via blogs.forbes.com

Posted via web from Jack's posterous