Cody, Morrell and Moeller prove information saves us money - lots of money

Technology is improving health care in many ways, but it comes at a cost and not all health care technologies are doing a good job of delivering on their promise to make us healthier.

Washington state provides nearly $3 billion worth of health benefits every year to public employees, people on workers' comp, Medicaid recipients, inmates, and others. But is that $3 billion being spent on care that is proven to be cost-effective?

The Department of Labor & Industries uncovered an interesting news story in the latest New England Journal of Medicine highlighting Washington's innovative Health Technology Assessment program.

The Legislature created the HTA when it passed HB 2575 in 2006. The legislation was co-sponsored by Reps. Eileen Cody and Dawn Morrell, who both work as nurses and head the House Health Care Committee, as well as Jim Moeller.

They wanted to bring an evidence-based approach to figuring out what kinds of medical devices, procedures and tests are effective and deliver the outcomes promised by manufacturers. This information is intended to help the various state agencies that administer health care programs make more informed coverage decisions.

The HTA has only completed about a dozen assessments to date, due largely to their comprehensive nature. But those assessments have uncovered an estimated $21 million in savings.

For example, in screening for colorectal cancer, the HTA determined that a CT colonography isn't as cost-effective as a colonoscopy, which would have to be done anyhow if a colonography finds polyps. By not approving CT colonographies, the state will save an estimated $11 million a year.

The HTA is now planning their next round of assessments. If you have feedback, let them know.