Senators Unsure About CE

The topic was underinsurance, but during Q&A at last Tuesday's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee hearing at least two senators expressed their doubts about funding comparative effectiveness research.

"I agree ... only in terms of looking at clinical effectiveness, and not for making treatment and coverage decisions based on costs. There's too much variability from patient to patient that directly effects the treatment outcomes, and therefore such decisions should be left up to the physician and patient."

—Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT)

"The thing that worries me about comparative effectiveness as a physician that's practiced 26 years is the art of medicine is totally ignored. Totally ignored in comparative effectiveness."

—Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)

What do you think about CE? Share your thoughts below.