HHS names comparative effectiveness research team

The Health and Human Services Department named 15 people to fill the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research, which was created to advise federal agencies using the $1.1 billion provided in the economic stimulus bill.

"The council will consider the needs of populations served by federal programs and opportunities to build and expand on current investments and priorities," according to the department's announcement.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act appropriated funds for:

• $300 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
• $400 million for the National Institutes of Health
• $400 million for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support comparative effectiveness research

"Comparative effectiveness research can improve care for all Americans and is an important element of President Obama’s health reform plan," HHS Spokeswoman Jenny Backus said in a statement. "President Obama is committed to openness and transparency and the Coordinating Council will host open meetings and a listening session as it begins its important work."

How can you put comparative effectiveness to use for yourself? Consumer Reports has just launched Best Drugs for Less that identifies the best drugs for over 20 common conditions including diabetes, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Happening in Washington: CR gives your prescriptions a workout

Consumer Reports is launching a public campaign in support of comparative effectiveness research to urge policy makers to get behind the effort to provide doctors and patients with independent comparisons of different treatments for medical conditions.

We've set up an interactive display in Washington's Union Station today to get the word out.

That's our booth to the right, where  we're running some medications through a bit of vigorous testing.

(Click for a larger photo.)

If you're in the nation's capital, stop by and pick up a copy of our latest publication, Best Drugs for Less.

If you can't make it in person, you can learn about Best Drugs for Less online.

Best Drugs for Less provides unbiased, independent evaluations to help people choose medicines that are safe, effective, and affordable.  The magazine aims to help patients and doctors in cutting through the clutter of drug advertising so they can make informed decisions about their medications.

Get started with your own comparative research by checking out our list of 10 ways to reduce your drug costs.