title: The need for greater price transparency in the medical device industry: an economic analysis.
abstract: Proposed legislation seeks to impose price transparency in the heath care industry as a remedy for increasing medical device prices. This paper analyzes previous attempts to mandate similar price-disclosure rules in a variety of industries. We identify the economic conditions under which mandatory price disclosure is likely to generate substantial benefits and costs. Applying these conditions, we conclude that mandatory price disclosure for implantable devices is unlikely to pass a benefit-cost test.
authors.affiliation: American Enterprise Institute (AEI), Washington, D.C., USA. rhahn@aei.org
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Hahn
authors.forename: Keith B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Klovers
authors.forename: Hal J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Singer
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D030881:Disclosure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000191:economics*; D006278:Medicare; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D014481:United States