The American Society of News Editors and the Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making brought experts and editors together to discuss the media’s role in the overscreening, overprescribing and overhyping that are helping drive up health care costs in America. Richard Karpel, ASNE’s executive director, reviewed what those assembled took away from the seminar:
According to FIMDM’s presenters, the media is culpable because it reports too many stories focused on “breakthroughs” and “miracle cures,” indulges too often in light, feel-good, news-you-can-use features, and frequently publishes inaccurate, unbalanced stories that fail to ask the right questions or seek verification from independent sources.
AHCJ member Gary Schwitzer was there to share what he’s learned as a critic of health coverage, you can find a PDF of his presentation here. Presentations from the other speakers – who looked at things like disease-mongering, screenings, treatments for lower-back pain and pharmaceuticals – are available as well.
