In July 2005, the Annals of Internal Medicine published a four-part series on controlling the nation's rising healthcare costs. Accompanying the series, CHP/PCOR core faculty member Victor R. Fuchs wrote an editorial, "Health Care Expenditures Reexamined," that presents his assessment of the major reasons for, and the limited value gained by, the United States' escalating healthcare costs. In the editorial, Fuchs advocates the collection and broad dissemination of information about the benefits and costs of medical interventions, as well as the creation of a reimbursement system that motivates physicians to consider costs as well as benefits when making decisions.

A physician-authored op-ed piece in the Sept. 4 issue of the Grand Rapids Press cites Fuchs' editorial to support the assertion that -- contrary to widespread perception -- the high cost of employee health benefits in the United States does not necessarily make American manufactured goods less competitive in the world market.