tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9263167.post878408964055759802..comments2024-03-28T15:17:43.056-04:00Comments on Stayin' Alive: It's Ecomomics 101 time again . . .Cervanteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11302076828795198187noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9263167.post-20687798438499479302010-12-08T09:56:04.574-05:002010-12-08T09:56:04.574-05:00It's difficult to answer your question because...It's difficult to answer your question because whether an intervention is indicated is not generally on one side or another of a bright line; and it isn't feasible to have a group of experts go through some random sample of medical procedures to decide if they are really kosher or not. As far as I know the best evidence we have comes from the wide geographic variation in the intensity of use of various procedures, which seems to be explained largely by the density of specialists who do those procedures, and local variations in the culture of medical practice. Atul Gawande did a much publicized article about this in the New Yorker, and I've discussed it here at times.<br /><br />I know that rising health insurance costs are a huge problem for small businesses. It's a major blow to U.S. competitiveness. We absolutely need real action on this. Unfortunately the Republicans start yelling about Death Panels any time somebody tries.Cervanteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11302076828795198187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9263167.post-13610234761992571572010-12-07T15:04:55.021-05:002010-12-07T15:04:55.021-05:00Have any studies been made that estimate what % of...Have any studies been made that estimate what % of health care costs are associated with procedures that are not necessary or indicated by medical science.<br /><br />Just before reading your post I was reviewing our small company's health care premium increase for 2011. It's slightly over 20% this year due to two factors. First, an overall increase of 13.9% and second, a slight increase in age which put some employees in the next age bracket. Ouch, our costs double about every 4 years.<br /><br />I wonder how much of our premiums support unnecessary expenditures and over priced drugs? <br /><br />And BTW, the the increase in health care premiums at our company reduces our R&D budget and our ability to compete in a very technical market. I think health care costs contribute to job stagnation in our country.Danielnoreply@blogger.com