Washington State Uses Panels to Make Coverage Determinations

A recent article in The New York Times highlights a Washington state panel which uses evidence-based measures to make coverage determinations for state employees, Medicaid patients, and injured workers.

The Health Technology Assessment committee, which was created in 2006 with bipartisan support, is a panel of healthcare professionals that evaluates the cost and effectiveness of medical devices and procedures before deciding to grant or deny coverage.

Committees such as this one were criticized during the healthcare reform debate as being examples of "rationing care." However, the committee argues that it has been balanced in its decision making.

To read the full article, click here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/business/22care.html?pagewanted=2&emc=eta1


Source: The New York Times