The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent, non-partisan body made up of primary care physicians involved in developing preventive medical guidelines based upon evidence-based medicine, has always reveled in its staunch self-governance. That could change ever so slightly in the new age of health reform.

The academic research-oriented group will continue to make recommendations on best-preventive practices and supply ratings (“A”, “B”, etc.); but this time, under reform, insurers will be required to cover services that receive such a rating. The Obama administration hopes that this increase in access (which will require a small premium increase by insurers in the near term) will reap savings in the future — as costs for preventive testing, screening for certain chronic diseases, vaccinations, and well-child visits would be covered (without health plan co-pays and deductibles) if so rated by the USPSTF.

Besides having to consider methodology involved in formulating its ultimate recommendations, the group will also have to contend with the specter of political agenda setting if lobbying groups and disease advocacy organizations have their way under this bit of legislation — scheduled to go into effect in September. | LINK

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