Toward a Hedonic Value Framework in Health Care

Feb 1, 2017, 00:00 AM
10.1016/j.jval.2016.11.022
https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(16)34131-6/fulltext
Section Title : Incorporating Multiple Dimensions of Value in Decision Making
Section Order : 14
First Page : 261

In well-functioning markets, a hedonic pricing scheme can reflect the marginal valuation of various attributes of a differentiated product at market equilibrium. It serves as an important tool to inform pricing of a new product with a specific combination of attributes. Because health cannot be bought and sold in a market setting, and health care markets are distorted by insurance or government subsidies, direct valuation of a health intervention as a differentiated good through observed market prices is difficult. In this article, we discuss the rationale of using stated preference methods for developing a hedonic value framework for health insurance products to inform the decision on whether a product should be covered or subsidized by insurance, given its price. This value index will not reflect marginal value at market equilibrium, as in a hedonic pricing scheme, but would capture the distribution of marginal value in the population. We discuss how affordability concerns can be integrated into the development of a hedonic valuation model. We compare this framework with traditional cost-effectiveness analysis and also the existing value frameworks put forth by various organizations. The framework can be adopted to inform other decisions such as pricing. We argue that developing such a comprehensive and decision-theoretic value framework is feasible and, if successful, can serve to inform health care resource allocation in this country for decades to come in a systematic manner.

https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/action/showCitFormats?pii=S1098-3015(16)34131-6&doi=10.1016/j.jval.2016.11.022
HEOR Topics :
Tags :
  • hedonic pricing
  • insurance
  • value
  • value framework
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