Research on the cost of health care and how to control it. Covers cardiovascular care in Latin America, emergency-visit costs, insulin pricing, and screening gaps.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found patient navigators can ease the transition to motherhood, leading to better health in the postpartum period and more consistent primary care. Navigators helped patients access care, manage social needs, and improve health literacy, resulting in improved health outcomes.
A study by VCU medical students found that nearly 1 in 5 GLP-1 users spent at least 10% of their household income on the medications, while 7% of patients spent an average of 7% of their household income annually. The researchers emphasize the need for solutions to make GLP-1 medications more affordable, particularly among uninsured an...
The Momentum conference brings together European cancer research leaders to discuss ways to accelerate the adoption of new cancer research advances and strengthen cross-border collaboration. The event aims to shorten the path from scientific discovery to clinical practice, ultimately benefiting patients sooner.
Participants with mild disabilities experienced a $1,177 annual reduction in care costs, compared to non-participants. Community gathering places promote social participation, exercise, and mutual support, contributing to healthy aging and mitigating long-term care costs.
A four-year project has produced a blueprint for transforming digital healthcare into a circular system, keeping products and materials longer in use. The Digital Health in the Circular Economy project recommends redesigning healthcare systems to deliver greater environmental benefits, with changes across clinical workflows, product de...
A targeted quality improvement campaign by University of Cincinnati emergency medicine physicians safely reduced unnecessary head and cervical spine CT scans in low-risk trauma patients, saving patients $6.2 million in healthcare costs and avoiding significant radiation exposure. The campaign, which included continuing education sessio...
The new guidelines, developed by leading experts, focus on improving sepsis care by strengthening systems for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and quality improvement. Emerging technologies, such as next-generation diagnostics and artificial intelligence, are also being explored to enhance sepsis care.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that heart surgery infection rates vary significantly across U.S. hospitals, with some experiencing nearly double the risk of others. By reducing infections, hospitals could prevent 2,600 infections and reduce Medicare spending by $441 million annually.
The European Society of Endocrinology is urging policy action to address a widening gap between care demand and workforce capacity. The endocrine workforce faces significant stress, burnout, and limited time for research, threatening timely and high-quality care.
A new US Medicare pricing policy could reshape global pharmaceutical markets, potentially driving up prices and delaying medicine launches worldwide. The study estimates that Medicare could save $5.2 billion under its initial phase, with savings rising to $21 billion if expanded to all Medicare beneficiaries.
The American College of Cardiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions released a joint statement on TAVR national coverage determination. The statement aims to preserve the quality framework that contributed to TAVR's success, emphasizing the importance of collaborations, registrie...
Researchers explore the potential of shadow AI in healthcare, voice analysis for early disease detection, and digital resurrection technologies for bereavement. A recent FDA approval also highlights the therapeutic benefits of video games for ADHD treatment, with potential for personalization and immersion in the future.
A new study finds that Medicaid ACOs in Massachusetts improved maternal healthcare quality and equity by incorporating maternal metrics and initiatives, but faced challenges in meeting metrics and implementing new initiatives. The researchers offer recommendations to overcome barriers in maternal healthcare delivery.
A new Ontario-wide study identifies potentially harmful drug combinations prescribed to older adults, revealing common medication interactions that can lead to unnecessary prescriptions and harm. The research highlights the need for clinicians to consider medication history and potential prescribing cascades to ensure safer care.
The ACC Latin America 2026 conference will bring together experts and cardiovascular clinicians to examine emerging cardiovascular science and evidence-based strategies for improving global heart health. The conference will also recognize individuals who have earned the distinguished Fellow of the ACC (FACC) designation.
A new study found that US children's emergency visits for mental health crises increased by 74% between 2016 and 2022. Half of these visits occurred in hospitals with low pediatric volume, highlighting the need for specialized resources and training.
The INSULIN Act would cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month for people on private insurance, establishing a resource center and hotline for uninsured individuals. The Endocrine Society applauds the bipartisan bill, which aligns with its Insulin Access and Affordability Position Statement.
A new study at the University of Oklahoma is testing an interactive app called Connect2Care to increase prostate cancer screening among Black men in Oklahoma. The app provides culturally tailored education, guides users through at-home PSA testing, and connects them with medical professionals.
A new Cochrane review of 8 randomized controlled trials involving over 500 adults found little to no benefit from widely-used back braces in managing chronic low back pain. The research suggested that the use of lumbar supports may be more common in lower-income countries where active treatment alternatives are less accessible.
A new study found that nearly 20% of eligible adults in Medicaid expansion states are at risk of losing health coverage due to insufficient or inconsistent work hours. Women, unmarried people, and those with limited education are disproportionately affected.
A Northwestern University study identified 33 diagnoses associated with extreme heat exposure, including skin conditions, multiple sclerosis, and traffic accidents. The findings could help emergency departments and health care systems better prepare for heat waves, which are becoming more prevalent with climate change.
Researchers studied the impact of a pharmaceutical merger on prices of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in the Philippines. The study found that while some efficiencies were real, they did not lead to lower prices for all products, and in some cases, prices even increased.
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.