AdvaMed appreciates support for FDA funding increases, but remains concerned about medicare

Published: 02/05

WASHINGTON, DC, USA - (HealthTech Wire) - Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), today issued the following statement regarding the President’s budget:

“AdvaMed appreciates the President’s proposal to increase funding for the FDA. This vital funding will enable the agency to expand its resources to fulfill its mission to promote and protect the public health and to oversee the increasingly sophisticated medical technologies that play such a vital role in improving patient care. The funding also will help maintain a reasonable balance between user fees and appropriated funds in the device center. While this additional funding is a good start, the FDA could benefit from additional increases in appropriations to better prepare for the future and to perform its core functions.

“We also are encouraged by the President’s commitment to provide additional resources to expand and promote the adoption of health information technology.

“We are deeply concerned, however, by the administration’s proposal to expand competitive bidding for diagnostic tests. Lab tests account for less than two percent of Medicare program expenditures, but they guide 70 percent or more of medical decision-making. Advances in technology and early detection can help improve patient outcomes for conditions such as and colorectal cancer and HIV, reducing downstream costs. Competitive bidding could reduce beneficiary access to important tests and undermine incentives for the development of next generation molecular diagnostic tests that will move us closer to the promise of personalized medicine.

“AdvaMed also is troubled by the significant reductions in payments to providers in both inpatient and ambulatory settings. These significant reductions may limit patient access to innovative new treatments and technologies that improve health and save lives.

“We look forward to working with Congress to protect patient access to medical innovation as patients and their caregivers seek the most appropriate health care.”