The Changing Post-Market World for Medical Technologies
October 20-21, 2005
University of Minnesota
There is considerable activity and change in the post market world for medical technologies. These changes are occurring partly in response to revelations in the drug world about unreported risks associated with widely used pharmaceuticals. In addition there are changes in demands for data and coverage experiments that will allow CMS to exchange coverage data gathering, registries and other requirements. A new challenge has emerged in the form of gain-sharing which will also alter the marketplace for some medical devices.
In keeping with its tradition of exploring emerging policy issues, MTLF will hosted its Fall Forum at the University of Minnesota to learn more about the changes from individuals who are participating in them from the public and private sector.
Tapping Medical Technology to Improve Quality and Efficiency in Health Care: an International Dialogue
May 2-4, 2005
Washington D.C.
The Forum brought health leaders from Japan and the US together in the US to learn more about the Japanese healthcare system, which serves the oldest population in the world and about the US system which serves one of the youngest but at twice the cost. The Japanese leaders learned about the resources we are using in the US to contain healthcare costs by turning to quality, value, system performance and payment policy reform. There was discussion on healthcare delivery, medical technology development and diffusion, healthcare financing and current and future government financing reforms.
As a result of the formal and informal conversations was an appreciation on the part of all attendees for the complicated task of reducing national healthcare costs; the efforts that both countries are making through financing (public and private), regulation, education and research, and other means to slow down cost growth while assuring access to all Japanese and Americans to continually improving, high quality, medical goods and services. The goal – over time – is to continue to develop an understanding that improving medical care quality and innovation reduces healthcare costs, thus improving access and satisfaction.
The tremendous success of this first of its kind of dialogue and building of professional relationships among a variety of government, academic, patient and private persons encourages us that this might develop into an annual event.
A New Era in Medical Technology Policy: Medicare Modernization Act Meets the Nations Fiscal Reality
February 16 - 17, 2005
Washington D.C.
The 2005 MTLF Capitol Forum featured discussions with those responsible for the next four years of public policy in Medicare Modernization Act implementation, healthcare delivery and financing.
