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American health policy recommendations are developed and recommended to the federal and state governments by many organizations. Some are based on sound science and clinical epidemiology. Many health policies are pushed by lobbyists for special interest groups. Some of these groups are altruistic. Most are profit driven. As Mother Superior at the Sisters of Perpetual Profit once stated, “No margin, no mission.” One of the themes in my book, Creative Design for Health Care Reform is to follow the money. Most governmental medical bureauocratic divisions try to stay with sound science. Several not-for-profit organization, such as the Rober Wood Johnson Foundation, provide excellent policy recommendations based on sound science. There are many well meaning but emotionally based private not-for-profit disease focused organization that push their special interest agenda regardless of science or rational prioritization. Some of these folks may be supported by powerful moneyed interests that do not have the good of all patients or our society as their main concern. However, when special interest for-profit company money is involved, science and the public good seem to be much less a consideration. I have commented on several organizations in my book. They and others are listed below. Take my comments with a grain of salt. After all, I am a cynic.
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