Targeting Precision Medicine: Evidence from Prenatal Screening

S-Tier
Journal: Journal of Political Economy
Year: 2025
Volume: 133
Issue: 2
Pages: 604 - 651

Authors (4)

Peter Conner (not in RePEc) Liran Einav (Stanford University) Amy Finkelstein (not in RePEc) Petra Persson (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We study the introduction of a noninvasive prenatal screening—cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening—which is used to target a more costly invasive test that elevates miscarriage risk. Using Swedish administrative data, we document that coverage of cfDNA substantially increases cfDNA screening and reduces invasive testing. We develop and estimate a stylized model of prenatal choices and find that narrow targeting of cfDNA coverage can improve outcomes and reduce costs, while broader coverage also improves outcomes but with increased costs. These findings point to the potential gains from well-designed targeting of screening but at the same time highlight the importance of the targeting design.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/732893
Journal Field
General
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-25