Howard Dean: The Far Right's All Out Offensive Against Medical Research

[babylonsister]

Howard Dean
Former Governor of Vermont and DNC Chairman
Posted February 17, 2009 | 02:12 PM (EST)

The Far Right's All Out Offensive Against Medical Research


Opponents of fixing our broken health care system are at it again, attempting to use their same old scare tactics and falsehoods to kill a common-sense health care provision is the economic recovery package. Fortunately Congressional leaders have recognized these tactics for what they are and have wisely kept this provision in the legislation.

Under attack is a provision that is in the package that will help your doctor be better informed and more effective at the job they signed up to do in the first place - taking care of you and your family.

Comparative Effectiveness Research:

At issue is something called "Comparative Effectiveness Research" which basically means giving your doctor access to the latest research on what treatments and therapies work and which don't. This also helps doctors know which treatments are more expensive than others, and helps both patients and doctors decide if there is a cheaper treatment that is just as effective. As a doctor and the husband of a doctor, I know how important it is to have solid scientific research to make critical decisions for my patients.

This research will help doctors choose the best treatment for their patients' situation and help them make more informed choices rather than risk prescribing less effective or even potentially harmful treatments.

Essentially, in order to control costs and provide patients with better care as we reform health care, the Federal Government will fund and disseminate research that evaluates the effectiveness of different treatments and medicines. This research will give doctors and patients better choices, and most importantly better health care for their money.

This is a common sense idea that should have been put in place a long ago.

more...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/howard-dean/the-far-rights-all-out-of_b_167628.html

[dbackjon]

1. Tell me WHY he is not HHS secretary?

[goforit]

2. Goooooo Howard Dean!!!!

He's the only one that could Obama's ass on healthcare.

[damntexdem]

3. But that is exactly what the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was doing up to 2000.

Why isn't it doing it anymore? Oh, right!