List date(s) this work was published or aired.
12-Aug-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Story examined an uncomfortable question that few consumers want to talk about– how much a few months of life are worth. Patients will take a drug, even knowing that its effectiveness is very underwhelming, because everyone thinks they will be that miracle patient. But these drugs are extremely expensive; the cost of chemotherapy drugs exceeds other categories. And this is largely because the drug companies can charge whatever they like, knowing they can get it.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Human sources and published studies
Explain types of human sources used.
Clinicians, insurance experts, academics
Results:
No “results,” although I did get a lot of feedback from oncologists how were happy to see a medical third rail addressed head on
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
no
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Be prepared to hear from patients who will counter what you say, testifying that a certain expensive drug saved their life. They may be right– but all the patients whose lives were not saved are unable to say so.