March 21, 2022. We generally agree with the USPSTF’s recommendations for preventive statin use, but suggest several improvements. For example, the studies included in the review varied greatly in the types of patients studied and the outcomes measured, and it seems premature to assume the risks are small, especially since even rare risks can be very serious for some patients. We thus urge the USPSTF to recommend that physicians emphasize other strategies to lower cholesterol, such as changes to lifestyle and diet.
Read More »On Health Policy
NCHR Comments on AHRQ’s Review on Schedule of Visits and Televisits for Routine Antenatal Care
March 15, 2022. We agree with the review that the overall assessment of the available evidence is inconclusive regarding the adequacy of a reduced number of antenatal visits or replacing some routine antenatal visits with telehealth appointments.
Read More »NCHR Comments on USPSTF’s Draft Recommendation on Screening for Syphilis Infection in Nonpregnant Adolescents and Adults
March 14, 2022. We support the reaffirmation of the previous “A” recommendation of syphilis screening in persons who are at increased risk for infection. However, we urge USPSTF to provide as much guidance as possible to ensure that healthcare providers do not base their decisions on personal or widely held stereotypes pertaining to age, race, ethnicity, social class, or appearance.
Read More »NCHR Comments on AHRQ’s Review on Effectiveness of Telehealth for Women’s Preventive Services
March 9, 2022. We support the objective of this report, however, we agree with the report’s assessment that the “systematic review demonstrates a paucity of data to inform the effectiveness,” and there are several limitations in the data that are particularly problematic.
Read More »Nonprofit Consumer and Public Health Organization’s Letter on MDUFA reauthorization to FDA and CDRH
February 22, 2022: We strongly urge the FDA to hold firm in the demands to strengthen pre- and post-market safety performance measures and surveillance as part of the MDUFA Commitment Letter as you enter into final negotiations with industry. MDUFA performance goals should include metrics regarding safety, and not just speed of review.
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