A government agency recently named members to the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, or PCORI, which is charged by the new reform law with conducting comparative effectiveness studies. While it is restricted in how it can manage costs, the group nevertheless could play a major role in promoting the efficacy of medical devices, procedures and medications. When the reform bill was being shaped on Capitol Hill, the inclusion of comparative effectiveness measures drew charges that it would lead to rationed or restricted care. So the question is: What is the real value in conducting comparative studies? Could it lead to rationing? Can it drive down costs and improve care? How do you see this measure playing out?