CER Daily Newsfeed

Value Viewpoint: August 22, 2025

(8/22, Kimberly Westrich, LinkedIn) comments “A new article published in the International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care details the findings from two pilot programs using plain language summaries to support patient involvement in the HTA process...For why these findings matter, [co-author Jose Diaz] says, ‘Plain language summaries give patients and advocates a clear way into complex evidence, making it easier for their experiences and priorities to shape decisions from the outset of an HTA process. When prepared by manufacturers and validated by HTA bodies, they can build trust, encourage collaboration, and lead to recommendations that better reflect the needs of the people most affected.’” Full

For Better Cancer Outcomes, It’s All About Access

(8/21, Pearl Steinzor, The American Journal of Managed Care) reports “...Leaders from health systems in and around Washington, DC, gathered to discuss these challenges at a session of the Institute for Value-Based Medicine held in Arlington, Virginia. Experts offered updates on ways industry leaders are working to drive the future of cancer care in a direction that offers patients both value and access...The conversation also highlighted the critical role of real-world data in assessing long-term outcomes and informing cost-effective, value-based decisions.” Full

The ACPT: Why We Have It And Four Ways To Improve It

(8/21, Michael E. Chernew, J. Michael McWilliams, Health Affairs Forefront) comments “...Policy makers have been refining FFS for decades, yet a FFS system with low fee updates and no incentives for efficiency remains ill-suited to address fiscal challenges. Incorporating population-based payment models offers an alternative that can hold plans or providers accountable for addressing spending trends and, if well designed, provide the incentives to do so...Yet, designing the benchmark setting system in these models is challenging because of the ratchet and collective success problems. Administrative benchmarks can mitigate these problems and contribute to holding the health care system truly accountable for spending.” Full

Negotiations Break down Between Pharma Companies and UK Government on Drug Price Plan

(8/22, Max Bayer, Endpoints News) reports “...The [Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry] said the two sides have not been able to agree on ‘the changes needed to rapidly return the UK to single-digit, internationally competitive payment rates on medicines sales to the NHS.’ The industry group said it also continues to disagree with how the UK’s drug pricing body, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), values new medicines.” Subscription Required