The problem of low value care is particularly acute for health services and procedures, which comprise roughly 70% of healthcare spending but have received relatively limited attention in value assessments. Moreover, unlike prescription drugs, which eventually go generic or attract biosimilar competition thus driving down prices, health services and procedures usually experience price increases over time.
The Broader Value Initiative aims to expand the scope of value assessments and to encourage more comprehensive research and discussion on the value conferred by a wide range of healthcare interventions, including services and procedures. Previously, we described four methods for prioritizing health services and procedures for assessment: applying horizon scanning, examining prevailing spending patterns, employing an index of variation and using value of information techniques. This article outlines an agenda in light of the current political climate, to expand and promote value assessments so that society has the better information to allocate healthcare resources efficiently. We propose recommendations for researchers and for policymakers.