IDSA calls for diagnostic tax credit

The Infectious Diseases Society of America published recommendations to stimulate R&D for diagnostics for infectious diseases, including a tax credit to cover half of clinical research costs for rapid diagnostics. The recommendations came in a policy paper published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. IDSA also endorsed a bill (H.R. 2085) in the U.S. House of Representatives that would require HHS to consider factors including impact on patient care and technical characteristics when determining Medicare reimbursement for new tests. The bill, which would also create an independent advisory panel to provide advice on Medicare payment rates, was referred in May to the health subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

IDSA also called for increased appropriations to NIH, HHS's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fund research into new diagnostics. The group also called for government and industry to conduct outcomes and cost effectiveness research. ...