Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A new book by University of Virginia Health System expert Daniel J. Cox outlines a practical alternative to medication for managing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The GEM program emphasizes smart eating, physical activity, and listening to the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
A new study by Semmelweis University found that women with endometriosis lose an average of €1,757 in income each year due to work absences and reduced productivity. The condition affects 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, causing chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, fatigue, and infertility.
The West Health Accelerator will expand UC San Diego Health's ability to ensure every patient gets the right care at the right time in the right setting. The six-year initiative aims to raise the standard for health systems across the country, leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics.
The UH Health initiative expands training, accelerates research and innovation, and improves access to care in Texas. It brings together medicine, nursing, pharmacy, optometry, psychology, social work, population health, and others under one interprofessional vision.
Participation in mandatory value-based payment programs is associated with higher hospital administrative costs, highlighting the need for policymakers to consider administrative burden when designing and evaluating payment reforms. The study suggests that these reforms may increase complexity without improving cost, quality, and access.
A new study suggests that artificial intelligence can enhance the implementation of Medicaid work requirements by helping state agencies keep eligible individuals enrolled. AI tools can analyze existing databases to verify compliance or exemption status, reducing documentation difficulties and administrative complexities. However, huma...
As more Americans with HIV age into Medicare eligibility, costs are expected to increase substantially. The study projects nearly 200,000 beneficiaries by 2035 and $27.3 billion in annual spending. Policy changes like the Inflation Reduction Act could save billions, while generic HIV medications may further reduce costs.
A nationwide study in Australia found that financial status impacts access to modern anti-nausea medications, driving off-label prescribing and structural health inequities. The study suggests updating medication funding structures to expand pregnancy-relevant medication approvals and subsidies.
Drug spending has become increasingly focused on highly novel drugs in the last decade, driven by increased prescribing of innovative medicines. The shift is attributed to changes in market forces and government policies that better reward pharmaceutical innovation.
This cohort study examines trends in US Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation receipt and benefit amounts between 2010 and 2024. Sociodemographic characteristics and disability type are associated with changes in these benefits.
The US government's withdrawal of funding for global HIV programs led to a sharp reduction in the number of people entering HIV care across East Africa. New patient enrollment dropped by 59% and viral load testing declined by 33% within weeks, according to findings from researchers at UC San Francisco.
The health tech industry is evolving with AI-powered wearables that enable real-time data interpretation, reducing centralized infrastructure demands. Pharmaceutical AI tools like NoHarm automate reviews, freeing up resources for medication errors. These innovations transform healthcare, improving care and patient outcomes.
A new study by King's College London found that mental health treatment for serious offenders can significantly reduce aggression and reoffending rates, resulting in cost savings. The intervention, Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), showed potential to improve outcomes for individuals with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) convict...
A new study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology predicts that generic semaglutide will dramatically increase cost-effectiveness and health system affordability for patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiorenal risk. The estimated annual cost of providing GLP-1RAs to all indicated patients would be $3.35 to $5.31 billion at pre-g...
The American College of Cardiology introduces a new cardiogenic shock designation to address deadly gaps in heart attack care. The new designation aims to standardize protocols and improve outcomes for patients with life-threatening complications of a heart attack, particularly in underserved areas.
Researchers developed a framework to integrate AI into hospitals, emphasizing patient care, staff experience, and economic sustainability. The Total Mission Value framework aims to ensure high-quality patient care remains the top priority amidst AI's transformative potential.
Global road injury rates declined by 38.3% for new cases and 32.3% for deaths between 1990 and 2023, but progress was uneven across income groups. Low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden, with nearly six times higher mortality rates than high-income countries.
A study by Pompeu Fabra University, ONT, and Vall d'Hebron Hospital reveals that public investment in liver transplants not only improves patient survival but also generates a positive social and economic return. The study estimates that liver transplant patients contribute over 100 million euros to the Spanish economy annually.
A cross-sectional study reveals substantial commercial price variation for common cardiovascular services, influenced by payer contracting strategies and market dynamics. The findings underscore the need for greater transparency and regulatory oversight to promote efficient healthcare spending.
This economic evaluation characterizes U.S. lobbying spending in the mental health field from 2014 to 2024, revealing significant growth. The study highlights increasing lobbying efforts in psychiatry and psychology, suggesting a shift towards more prominent advocacy for mental health issues.
Researchers at Texas A&M University designed a fictional hospital to demonstrate the business case for investing in better design. The model shows that by incorporating evidence-based design strategies, hospitals can recover their additional construction costs within two years and achieve over $100 million in net financial gains over t...
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease estimates that dementia-related costs across 30 high-income European countries total €221 billion annually. Family caregivers carry a significant portion of this burden, providing an estimated €128 billion in unpaid care.
Patients of top-scoring physicians are significantly less likely to receive low-value healthcare services, which cumulatively cost the US healthcare system $100 billion annually. The study found that increased physician knowledge is associated with lower use of tests and interventions providing little benefit to patients.
A new study found that prophylactic naldemedine is a cost-effective intervention for opioid-induced constipation in cancer patients. The analysis revealed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 1,445,276 Japanese yen per QALY gained, which is below the official willingness-to-pay threshold of 5 million yen.
After Medicare expanded coverage for Wegovy to prevent heart complications in obese patients with heart disease, prescription fills jumped sharply. However, a significant fraction of eligible beneficiaries still did not receive the treatment.
Researchers have created an affordable and highly effective mosquito repellent distilled from locally grown catnip plants, comparable to DEET-based products. The nepetalactone-based lotion has been shown to repel mosquitoes responsible for malaria transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers developed a low-cost AI tool to forecast demand and optimize medicine allocation in Sierra Leone. The tool increased consumption of allocated medical products by 19% and improved access to essential medicines for over two million women and children under five, with no additional workforce costs.
The article explores AI-driven transformations in digital health, including a novel malaria intelligence platform and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Landmark ACCESS program. Genuine institutional change is crucial for safe clinical AI adoption.
A large clinical trial found that an AI support tool improved the quality of clinical documentation and treatment planning, but did not significantly change short-term patient outcomes. The study involved over 9,600 patients in Kenya and used a randomized controlled design to test the effectiveness of the AI tool.
A cross-sectional study found significant increases in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) per-patient days supplied in employer plans from 2021 to 2024, driven by higher growth in weight loss coverage. This could signal a growing financial burden on patients and payers as drug costs increase over time.
A new study finds that Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will cost the US $818 billion this year, driven by costs associated with care and loss of productivity. The study's comprehensive model accounts for often-overlooked factors like diminished quality of life and unpaid care provided by family members.
The West Health-Gallup Healthcare Affordability Index found that 2.8 million Americans struggled to afford healthcare in 2025, causing the cost secure category to drop to 49%. The number of people who can reliably access and pay for healthcare has been declining steadily since 2021.
Researchers found that patients with Medicare Advantage insurance were more likely to receive certain types of stroke-preventing care and recover faster from strokes. In contrast, patients on traditional Medicare received more intensive post-stroke care and rehabilitation.
A new study reveals that written exposure therapy can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, comparable to intensive treatments. The narrative writing process allows patients to confront memories, fostering a sense of control over their experiences.
A clinical trial tested four remote monitoring approaches against usual care and found that none outperformed usual care in reducing readmissions. The study highlights the importance of studying real-world care models to optimize outcomes.
Researchers found that friendly, choice-oriented language in AI chatbots boosts patient engagement, while aggressive phrasing and blurred human-AI boundaries put them off. Patients appreciate personalized interactions, but are wary of data security concerns.
Researchers propose using low-dose lithium orotate to slow dementia progression in mild cognitive impairment, leveraging established neuroprotective mechanisms. The approach aims to mitigate kidney and thyroid risks associated with higher-dose formulations, offering a potentially accessible and inexpensive treatment option.
A study from Tokyo University of Science found that public preferences for immigrants shift towards high-income individuals when their participation in the welfare system is highlighted. The researchers also discovered a joint interaction between concerns about welfare systems and job security on attitudes toward immigration.
A new study found that the Inflation Reduction Act's $35 out-of-pocket cap on insulin prescriptions led to lower costs and increased insulin usage among Medicare patients. However, the impact was limited to a small portion of U.S. patients, with higher costs remaining for many.
A study by Kyoto University researchers found that hospital admissions for persons with dementia result in higher healthcare spending, with a $2,500 increase in 30-day costs after an emergency room visit. However, there was no conclusive evidence linking hospital admission to 30 or 90-day mortality rates.
UC San Diego Health has received multiple awards from Practice Greenhealth for its achievement and innovation in health care sustainability, including the Greenhealth Leader Award and Circle of Excellence Award. The institution's commitment to operations supporting healthier patients, staff, and communities is recognized nationally.
A new study found that demand for abortion and miscarriage hotlines increased by double digits before the Dobbs decision, with states later enacting abortion bans seeing a significant surge. The hotline saw a 210% spike in use from June 2022 to June 2023.
A cohort study of U.S. households with children found that high medical expenses can strain household resources, making it difficult to afford basic necessities like food and housing. The study suggests a link between financial burdens and adverse health outcomes among this vulnerable population.
Massachusetts Medicaid members who received medically tailored meals experienced significantly fewer health emergencies, including 31% fewer hospitalizations and 20% fewer emergency department visits. The program also resulted in lower per-person healthcare costs of $3,433, offsetting 98% of the program's cost.
A new digital platform has lowered the cost of GLP-1 medications, making them more accessible to patients without insurance. However, sustaining treatment remains a challenge due to the cash-pay model's lack of financial protection for indefinite treatment.
The American Cancer Society has endorsed two new types of stool tests and recommends limiting the use of blood tests for colorectal cancer screening. The guidelines aim to encourage people to get screened while improving detection rates.
A proposed 'polluter pays' tobacco levy scheme could raise billions in tax revenue and prevent thousands of hospital admissions. The UK could generate £1-£4.9 billion over five years, depending on the level of price cap and implementation speed.
The Journal of Medical Internet Research publishes a theme issue on digital inclusion in the Global South, examining access, agency, and impact. The focus areas include measuring digital access, gendered digital realities, and digital innovations across health and livelihoods.
The Lancet MedZero provides comprehensive carbon analytics across healthcare products, enabling evidence-based decision-making for hospitals and health systems. The platform aims to reduce waste, improve patient care, and tackle climate change, with over 14,000 entries at launch.
Researchers at Brown University found that payments to Medicare Advantage brokers more than doubled between 2014 and 2022, rising from $3.9 billion to roughly $10 billion a year. The study also revealed that broker involvement is common and growing, with 70% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries generating renewal commissions.
A study by Ochsner experts explores the cost-effectiveness of integrating behavioral health care into primary care for adults with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Behavioral health integration resulted in improved mental health outcomes, reduced opioid use, and lower prescription expenses, making it a cost-effective option.
A systematic review of point-of-care testing found that rapid tests improve people's understanding of their condition, increase confidence in self-management, and motivate lifestyle changes. This leads to better medication adherence and improved clinical markers, ultimately reducing the risk of serious complications.
A new study found that telemedicine has not led to increased visits and medical spending across all payer types, easing concerns about ballooning costs. However, it also found that rural areas and commercially insured patients had higher spending, but these changes were not statistically significant.
A nationwide study found no significant association between telemedicine adoption and changes in US ambulatory visits or total medical spending. The expansion of telemedicine has eased concerns about increased utilization and spending, as the growth did not lead to large increases in these areas.
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
Researchers analyzed 13 years of federal data on Medicare Advantage enforcement actions, finding that CMS rarely used severe tools like contract terminations or suspensions. Instead, they relied on small fines, which may do little to change behavior and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
A new study reveals significant variation in sickle cell disease hospitalizations and costs across New York State, with regional differences in access to specialized care and treatment impacting outcomes. Long Island and New York City show high costs and complex cases, while Central New York has the longest average length of stay.
A new review highlights the emotional, physical, and financial challenges faced by caregivers of women living with ovarian cancer. Caregivers experience anxiety, depression, grief, and burnout, alongside practical barriers such as financial hardship and limited communication with healthcare providers.
The American Heart Association warns that healthcare affordability has reached crisis levels, with total spending approaching $5 trillion annually. The association proposes five guiding principles for action by lawmakers and policymakers to address the issue.
A new study found that Michigan Medicaid expansion helped enrollees significantly reduce their medical debt in collections by up to 75% within seven years of enrollment. Additionally, the study shows substantial drops in sub-prime credit scores, improving financial stability and long-term health outcomes.