A RAND Corporation study found that better continuity of care for patients with diabetes, congestive heart failure, or emphysema leads to significant reductions in hospital emergency department visits and hospitalizations. This improvement can result in substantial cost savings for Medicare, up to $1.5 billion per year.
The study found cocaine use dropped sharply across the US from 2006 to 2010, while marijuana consumption increased significantly during the same period. Researchers also estimated that Americans spent over $100 billion annually on illicit drugs between 2000 and 2010.
The current terrorism risk insurance program provides government support for spreading losses and covering extreme losses, making the country more resilient to future attacks. Without this program, the take-up rate for terrorism insurance would likely fall, putting national security at risk.
A new RAND Corporation report assesses value-based purchasing programs and finds mixed results on improving quality and reducing costs. Newer payment models like ACOs and bundled payments face challenges in designing strong financial incentives for change.
A three-year pilot of medical homes showed few improvements in care quality and no reductions in hospital visits or costs. Despite adopting new capabilities, most practices did not see significant reductions in healthcare utilization or total costs.
State-level spending on prison education programs declined by an average of 6% from 2009 to 2012, with large states cutting spending by 10% and medium-sized states by 20%. The study's findings highlight the need for better focus on spending and more effective instructional models to improve outcomes for inmates.
A federally sponsored plan has been successful in addressing the challenges of prioritizing and coordinating strategies to curb health care-acquired infections. The plan has also been associated with reductions in the rates of health care-associated infection rates, with progress made toward most targets where data are available.
A study by RAND Corporation found that telemedicine programs can provide good quality care for acute medical problems, with little evidence of misdiagnosis or treatment failure. Patients who used the service were younger, had fewer chronic conditions, and were more likely to be women and live in affluent areas.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that WWII had long-lasting consequences on health, education, and marriage among European survivors. Living in a war-torn country increased the likelihood of physical and mental problems later in life, including diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
A RAND Corporation study found that workplace wellness programs can save $3.78 in healthcare costs for every dollar invested in managing chronic illnesses. However, lifestyle management components were found to have smaller savings or no significant effect on health care costs.
A new RAND Corporation study suggests that autonomous vehicles will outweigh the likely disadvantages, providing significant social benefits such as decreased crashes, increased mobility, and fuel economy. However, policymakers must address regulatory challenges, liability issues, and privacy concerns.
A new study by RAND Corporation estimates Washington state marijuana consumption to be about twice as large as previously thought, ranging from 135 to 225 metric tons in 2013. The analysis used federal data and a survey of marijuana users to improve upon previous estimates.
A new study finds that Irish immigrants to England suffered from physical and sexual abuse as children, contributing to their poor health. Research suggests a model of understanding immigration patterns accounting for childhood trauma's impact on future health.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that private contractors working in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other conflict environments report higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression than military personnel. Despite the challenges, many contractors struggle to access mental health resources.
Exposure to a single pro-smoking media message increases smoking intentions by an average of 22% and remains elevated for 7 days. Researchers found that repeated exposures to pro-smoking messages can lead to a cumulative effect on attitudes and behaviors towards smoking.
A RAND Corporation study suggests that expanding patient-centered medical homes and nurse-managed health centers can help eliminate up to 50% of the expected primary care physician shortage by 2025. These new models rely on a mix of medical providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Foreign-educated and foreign-born health professionals fill critical gaps in the US healthcare workforce, particularly in primary care physicians and nursing positions. However, relying on these workers may reduce incentives for addressing healthcare workforce shortages and lead to instability.
A RAND Corporation study found that modest increases in marketing and outreach to local communities can increase physical activity in parks. The study, which examined 50 parks across Los Angeles, found a 7-12% boost in physical activity among parks with increased signage.
A RAND Corporation study finds that physician job satisfaction is driven by quality patient care, with electronic health records being a significant source of stress. Physicians report frustration with systems that hinder face-to-face interactions and accuracy of medical records.
Accountable care organizations, formed by consolidating doctors and hospitals into large networks, are more common in regions with payment risk sharing at hospitals and larger integrated hospital systems. These organizations aim to improve quality and cut costs without offering lower premiums to consumers.
A RAND Corporation study finds that out-of-pocket medical expenses will decrease for most consumers who become newly insured or change their health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Low-income people in states without expanding Medicaid may see higher health spending compared to those with expanded Medicaid.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that lengthy military deployments increase the risk of divorce among US enlisted service members. Women are more likely to divorce than men, especially those deployed to combat zones. The risk is higher for couples married before the 9/11 attacks.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that prison education programs significantly reduce recidivism rates, with a 43% lower chance of returning to prison. Additionally, inmates who participate in correctional education have improved job prospects and higher employment rates after release.
New interventional cardiac catheterization services in US hospitals have duplicated existing programs and failed to improve patients' access to timely emergency cardiac care. The growth of these services has added to healthcare costs without significant improvements.
A new study finds that involving community groups in depression care improves mental health outcomes among low-income patients. The community engagement approach, which included collaborative planning with diverse services programs, resulted in increased physical activity, lower hospitalizations, and improved stability in daily life.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that bariatric surgery can lead to better short-term control of abnormal blood sugar levels and more weight loss in diabetic patients with moderate obesity. However, the findings come from a relatively small number of trials and more information is needed about long-term benefits and risks.
A new RAND Corporation study suggests that states choosing not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act will face significant financial costs, including $1 billion more in uncompensated care spending and foregone federal payments of $8.4 billion annually. This would leave an additional 3.6 million people without health insurance.
A new federal law has protected young adults, their families, and hospitals from the financial consequences of serious medical emergencies. The study found that $147 million in nondiscretionary medical care was newly covered by private insurance.
Emergency departments are now responsible for half of all hospital admissions in the US, accounting for nearly all growth in hospital admissions between 2003 and 2009. Despite evidence that people with chronic conditions visit emergency departments more frequently, hospital admissions for these conditions have remained flat.
A new study found that strategies to lower Medicare costs, such as increasing premiums and raising the eligibility age, could lead to some seniors losing coverage, prompting concerns about access to healthcare. The analysis suggests that premium support programs or voucher plans could cut spending by up to 24%.
The monetary cost of dementia in the US is estimated to range from $157 billion to $215 billion annually, surpassing both heart disease and cancer. The majority of costs are associated with institutional and home-based long-term care, rather than medical services.
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that expanding Medicaid in Pennsylvania would increase federal revenue by more than $2 billion annually and provide health insurance to 340,000 residents. The expansion would also sustain over 35,000 jobs and boost economic activity by $3 billion.
A South African program offering a 10-25% rebate on healthy food purchases found that lower prices motivate people to significantly improve their diet. The analysis of supermarket scanner data and survey responses showed an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption and a decrease in less-desirable food purchases.
A new RAND Corporation report highlights the challenges faced by military caregivers, who often toil long hours with little support. The study identifies broad areas where future work is needed to ensure these 'hidden heroes' receive recognition and addressed.
A new RAND Corporation study found that city blocks with both residential and commercial zoning purposes experienced less crime than those zoned primarily for commercial purposes. Researchers also discovered that crime rates dropped by an average of 7% when neighborhoods underwent changes in zoning, mostly towards residential uses.
A new RAND Corporation analysis suggests that healthcare must be reengineered to focus on the benefits of health information technology to realize its potential. Key findings include the need for interconnected systems and patient access to their electronic health records, with the goal of improving patient care and reducing spending.
A new study suggests that US health security research is not adequately addressing the needs of a diverse range of threats, including natural disasters. The study found that only 10% of funded projects addressed non-biological threats, while most focused on bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases.
A new study by RAND Corporation reveals that recent Mexican immigrants to the US have a significant amount of undiagnosed disease, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Despite this, they are still generally healthier than native-born residents after accounting for undiagnosed disease.
A study by RAND Corporation found that frequent alcohol testing with swift sanctions reduced repeat DUI arrests by 12% and domestic violence arrests by 9%. The 24/7 Sobriety Project, which requires twice-a-day breathalyzer tests or continuous monitoring bracelets, has been adopted in South Dakota's counties.
Researchers found moderate to insufficient evidence supporting various autism interventions, highlighting the need for well-designed studies. The expert panel recommends focusing on assessment and monitoring treatment outcomes, addressing needs of preverbal and nonverbal children, and identifying effective strategies for core deficits.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that people who visit retail medical clinics are less likely to return to a primary care physician for future illnesses and have less continuity of care. However, there was no evidence that retail clinics disrupted preventive medical care or diabetes management.
A RAND Corporation study identified five causes that underlie the failure of many comparative effectiveness studies to create change, including misaligned financial incentives, ambiguous results, and limited use of decision support tools. The study recommends three approaches to improve the impact of such research, including developing...
The proportion of severely obese Americans has increased by 70% since 2000, with over 15 million adults classified as morbidly obese. The trend is slower than previously reported, suggesting a potential slowdown in the growth of severe obesity.
Visits to retail medical clinics increased four-fold from 2007 to 2009, with a significant increase in younger patients seeking convenient care. The proportion of visits for preventive care, including vaccinations, rose to over 47% by 2009.
RAND Corporation researchers suggest that existing administrative data may be unable to detect the effects of health IT. To accurately gauge impact, new measurement tools are needed. Health IT can lead to greater convenience, access and quality while lowering costs if it supports teamwork, care coordination and innovative approaches.
A RAND Corporation study found that taking probiotics can significantly reduce the risk of developing diarrhea caused by antibiotics. The study, which pooled data from over 100 research studies, showed a 42% lower risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea with probiotic use.
A new study suggests that consumer-directed health plans could reduce healthcare spending in the US by $57 billion annually, equivalent to a 4% decrease in healthcare costs. The plans, which have high deductibles and personal health accounts, may encourage patients to make more informed decisions about their care.
A study by RAND Corporation found that the use of anesthesia providers during GI procedures is increasing rapidly, with substantial regional variation. The study suggests that up to $1.1 billion in annual health spending may be unneeded, as most low-risk patients do not require this service.
A RAND Corporation study outlines a checklist to improve the methods behind health care performance reporting, aiming to minimize misclassifications and avoid adverse consequences. The goal is to create accurate and useful reports that help patients choose better-quality providers.
A new study by RAND Corporation concludes that eliminating the individual mandate under the Affordable Care Act would sharply decrease health coverage, but not dramatically hike insurance prices. The number of Americans predicted to get coverage in 2016 would drop from 27 million to 15 million if the individual mandate were eliminated.