Articles tagged with Drug Costs
Researchers used NMR technology to analyze lipoprotein size and concentration in 262 patients with high-risk heart disease. The study found that a commonly prescribed statin, pravastatin, was equally effective in lowering bad cholesterol levels regardless of LDL particle size.
The report proposes differential pricing as a solution to bridge the gap between drug makers and activists. However, its implementation is uncertain, with experts disagreeing on how it should be set up or implemented.
A new University of Michigan study confirms that the utilization of prescription drugs, especially newly introduced ones, is the biggest reason for double-digit increases in overall prescription drug costs. Managed care insurance plans saw a 35% jump in prescription costs due to their members' rush on existing and new drugs.
Researchers suggest emphasizing law enforcement at early stages of a new drug epidemic, then shifting funds to treatment when use flattens. The model is based on data from the U.S. cocaine epidemic and takes into account market and price dynamics, including the role of initiation, cessation, and treatment.
The estimated total first year costs for diagnosing, treating, and managing FMMA range from $410 for insulin resistance to $7,368 for abnormal fat distribution, with second-year costs ranging from $115 to $3,895 depending on the symptom being treated.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all cases, with rising costs placing a strain on healthcare resources. Insulin usage and complications are key drivers of increased costs.
The Express Scripts 1999 Drug Trend Report reveals a record 17.4 percent increase in prescription drug spending, with senior citizens facing the biggest cost increases. The average cost of a prescription rose 9.6 percent in 1999, driven by higher prices and greater drug utilization.
The NHLBI's IMPACT study will investigate whether patients with mild asthma require daily anti-inflammatory medication. The trial, which started recently, will compare the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers.
A collaborative study found that media coverage of new medications tends to exaggerate their benefits, ignore their risks, and fail to disclose their costs. Only 40% of news stories citing experts with financial ties to the drug being studied disclosed this potential conflict of interest.
A new study finds that Risperdal treatment reduces clinical outcomes, relapse risk by 30%, and significantly lowers medication costs compared to olanzapine. The results suggest that better schizophrenia treatment can improve patients' lives while reducing healthcare burdens.
A new cost analysis at Duke University Medical Center found that comprehensive heart failure teams can reduce healthcare costs by over one-third. By shifting care to outpatient visits, these teams improve the effective use of medications, particularly newer agents, leading to a 37% decrease in total treatment costs.
Researchers at the University of Florida analyzed two-year follow-up data from a multicenter pilot trial, finding that bypass surgery and angioplasty initially cost more than medication but offered better clinical outcomes. Long-term medical expenses were roughly equal for both treatment strategies.
Researchers found that patients who undergo aggressive treatment, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, may have lower long-term medical expenses compared to those who only take medication. After two years, costs for medical strategies increased twice that observed for revascularization.
Recent studies analyzed the cost-effectiveness of various heart failure treatments, including ACE inhibitors, vasodilators, and interdisciplinary teams. The findings suggest that judicious use of these therapies can lead to significant cost savings while maintaining effective treatment outcomes.
The new guidelines chart the rapid evolution of bypass surgery techniques and provide a framework for physicians to evaluate risks and benefits with their patients. The report categorizes heart patients into groups that predict how well bypass will work for them based on various factors.
A study of 46 Internet sites selling prescription drugs found that only five revealed their locations, while nine sites sold medications without a physician's prescription. The researchers also found that online doctor consultations cost more than in-person visits, and some popular drugs were sold at higher prices online.
A pan-European study found that type 2 diabetes in Europe is a significant healthcare burden, with total costs exceeding €29 billion and average individual costs more than double those of the general population. Preventing long-term complications through urgent action is crucial to reducing these costs.
Depression-treating drugs were the biggest contributor to a record-setting pharmacy benefit cost increase of 16.8 percent last year, according to Express Scripts. Plan sponsors who actively managed their pharmacy benefits cut the cost increase in half by encouraging the use of lower-cost but equally effective drugs.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that comprehensive discharge planning and home follow-up by advanced practice nurses can significantly reduce hospital readmission rates and Medicare costs. The study involved 363 elderly patients at high risk for poor outcomes after hospital discharge, who rece...
A recent study by University of Maryland researchers found that kidney transplants are more cost-effective than dialysis, even for the sickest patients. The break-even point for kidney transplants was 2.7 years compared to dialysis, saving $27,000 per year for each patient.
Two studies presented at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting suggest that primary care doctors often refer patients with skin problems to dermatologists, wasting time and resources. Dermatologists diagnose skin diseases more quickly than other doctors, saving money for both patients and healthcare systems.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have successfully evaluated soybean-produced antibodies that can prevent the spread of genital herpes virus. The findings suggest that these monoclonal antibodies could work well as a cheap and efficient topical lubricant for large-scale human populations.
Researchers found that injecting methotrexate significantly improved patient health and reduced costs for those with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The study involved 52 patients, with 73% switching to injection treatment due to dissatisfaction with oral method side effects.
A new study at UCSF found Botox effective in treating excessive underarm sweating, offering patients a significant alternative to surgery. The treatment requires no anesthesia and provides long-lasting results, with most patients experiencing reduced sweating within 48 hours.
A study by Penn State economists suggests that climate change could lead to an increase in waterborne diseases like Cryptosporidiosis, which can be fatal among immunocompromised individuals. The researchers estimate that doubling the frequency of 100-year floods could add up to $70 per person in costs.
A new study found that clot-busting drugs can save legs as effectively as invasive surgery, reducing the need for open surgical procedures by over 30%. The experimental drug, recombinant urokinase, showed no significant difference in death or amputation rates between surgical and non-surgical patients.
A study conducted at the University of Michigan Health System found that administering amiodarone prior to elective heart surgery reduced atrial fibrillation by approximately 50%. Patients who received amiodarone experienced less discomfort, shorter hospital stays, and lower hospital costs compared to those who received a placebo.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center found that heart attack patients who experience a stroke shortly after have significantly higher medical costs, with an average increase of $12,030. The cost disparity is largely due to longer hospital stays and the need for institutional care.
A new study found that prophylactic surgery can prolong life expectancy by approximately 8.5 years, but at a significant impact on quality of life. The study also concluded that prophylactic surgery is cost-effective compared to cancer treatments.
A new study of 121 children aged 5-14 found that allergy shots had no significant benefits for patients whose asthma symptoms are controlled with medication. However, shots may be useful in certain groups, such as those with irregular medication use or difficulty avoiding allergens.
Research by Dr. Eric Peterson found stenting costs $13,000, exceeding Medicare's payment of $10,000 to $13,000. This expense may lead hospitals to lose money on each procedure, potentially reducing the treatment's popularity.
Thyroid screening can prevent mild problem from becoming severe and reverse undiagnosed symptoms, according to a Johns Hopkins study. Screening costs are comparable to other preventative tests, with greatest savings from lowering cholesterol and heart disease risk.