Medical Devices: Worrying Parallels to Our Nation's Prescription Drug Concerns?

The medical device industry exhibits many concerning parallels to the pharmaceutical industry. Like drugs, devices are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); tremendous innovation has helped patients lead longer, healthier lives but inadequate oversight and hidden pricing of devices may be contributing to cost growth and safety concerns. This issue brief examines the evidence around medical device spending and safety oversight.