CER Daily Newsfeed

Back Surgeries: Low-Value Care Swells Medicare Spending

(11/14, Hannah Nelson, Tech Target) reports “...Researchers analyzed hospital data for common back surgeries, including spinal fusion, laminectomy and vertebroplasty, which clinical trials have repeatedly shown lack of benefit for certain patients...The Lown Institute found that over 200,000 procedures met criteria for overuse from 2019 to 2021, leading to an estimated $2 billion in Medicare spending.” Full

McClellan: Trump Could Use Trade Rep To Press For Lower Drug Prices

(11/15, Jessica Karins, Amy Lotven, InsideHealthPolicy) reports “...Mark McClellan, who served as head of both FDA and CMS during the George W. Bush administration and who is currently director of the Robert J. Margolis Center for Health Policy, said he expects to see Trump approach drug pricing somewhat differently than he did during his first administration, thanks to changes like the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and changes to Medicare Part D.” Subscription Required

Pharma, Long Criticized by RFK Jr., Looks for Ways to Work With Him

(11/15, Jonathan D. Rockoff and Jared S. Hopkins, The Wall Street Journal) reports “...[PhRMA] sought to strike a constructive tone, saying it wanted to ‘work with the Trump administration to further strengthen our innovation ecosystem and improve healthcare for patients.’ The Biotechnology Innovation Organization said it looked ‘forward to working closely’ with Trump and his administration. ‘The public health, economic security and our national security are best served by strong leadership that respects and advances science, nutrition and medicine and ensures that the United States and our allies continue to lead the world in biotechnology,’ it added.” Subscription Required

ISPOR Europe 2024 – Inside the First Plenary: Navigating Evidence-Price Challenges for Patient Access

(11/18, Laura Dormer, The Evidence Base) reports “...Overall, the first plenary session of ISPOR Europe 2024 underscored the complexity of balancing evidence, price and patient access in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. While progress has been made in areas like MEAs and regulatory alignment, significant challenges remain in addressing uncertainty, ensuring affordability and fostering transparency. The panelists emphasized that collaborative, multi-stakeholder approaches will be key to achieving sustainable and equitable healthcare systems.” Full

England: NICE Finds Its Advice Can Cut Drug Appraisal Times By Three Months

(11/18, Neena Brizmohun, Pink Sheet) reports “...The health technology assessment institute said its ‘unique insights’ could help companies effectively prepare for their appraisals, potentially streamlining their path through the process, and helping to get innovative technologies to patients faster.” Subscription Required