Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A study at Radboud University Medical Center found that pre-hospital troponin measurements can safely identify low-risk patients with chest pain, reducing the need for hospital visits. The results show a small risk of major adverse cardiac events, but also significant cost savings.
The study found that estimated national costs of self-injury mortality rose by 143% from $0.46 trillion to $1.12 trillion over a 20-year period, primarily driven by increases in opioid and alcohol-related deaths. West Virginia has the highest per capita cost at $6,534, with total suicide costs increasing 58% to $502.7 billion.
A pediatric trauma team at Golisano Children's Hospital significantly reduced unnecessary CT scans, minimizing radiation exposure and healthcare costs. The team's efforts, which included adapting existing guidelines and developing new ones, resulted in a 45% reduction in non-indicated scans.
A national study found that only 19% of hospitals were fully compliant with the federal price transparency checklist, with teaching and non-profit hospitals slightly more adherent. Hospitals in competitive markets had lower compliance rates compared to non-competitive markets.
A new USC study reveals that Medicare Advantage plans have seen a 337% increase in enrollment, while traditional Medicare has declined by nearly 3%. This trend suggests that Medicare beneficiaries are increasingly choosing MA plans over traditional Medicare.
A scoping review found evidence-based practices improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The study also identified areas for improvement in EBP adoption and implementation.
A new economic model estimates the health benefits and budget impact of Fracture Liaison Services, showing significant reductions in fragility fractures, hospital bed days, and social care costs. The model suggests that FLS implementation would lead to improved patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.
A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.
A study by Pusan National University researchers found that countries closer to the equator have higher suicide rates due to decreased sunlight exposure. The prevalence of suicide increased with latitude, and was found to be higher in men than women, with age also being a significant factor
Replacing biomass-burning cookstoves in sub-Saharan Africa could save 463,000 lives and $66 billion in health costs. However, adoption has been sluggish due to high upfront costs, with many households unable to afford cleaner alternatives.
Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.
The Geriatric Fracture Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been shown to reduce hospital stays by 2.12 days and lower hospital-related costs by $5,316 for patients aged 65 and older. The program's comprehensive care approach, including bone strength assessments and fall prevention strategies, is effective in improving outcomes.
Over half of women with urinary tract infections experience impairment in sex life, sleep, and exercise, as well as reduced quality of life. The study also found significant costs associated with uncomplicated UTIs among US females.
An international task force led by UNIGE and HUG has developed a preventive protocol to address the growing number of people affected by Alzheimer's disease. The guidelines focus on four pillars: risk assessment, risk communication, risk reduction, and cognitive enhancement.
A study by researchers in Brazil found that loss of muscle mass during COVID-19 hospitalization is associated with the development of persistent symptoms such as weakness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The study also showed that patients who lost more muscle mass had higher healthcare costs six months after discharge.
A study suggests that adding extra anesthesiology residency positions can be financially beneficial for hospitals, with cost savings ranging from $440,000 to $1.9 million over three years. This expansion may help address the projected shortage of anesthesia care professionals and reduce staffing costs.
A study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists found that inaccurately recording anesthesia start times results in lost billing time for anesthesia practices and medical centers. The study analyzed 40,312 procedures and determined a potential loss of $638,671.57 in one year.
The number of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the US rose significantly between 2019 and 2020, with Asian, Black and Hispanic populations most affected. The largest single-year increase since 2015 was seen in CVD deaths among these populations, highlighting structural and societal disparities.
The pandemic exacerbated workforce shortages, low wages, and increased consumer responsibility in self-directed care. Policies like the Appendix K guidelines showed potential to alleviate unmet care needs, but further flexibility is needed to support consumers and workers.
An evidence-based fall prevention program implemented in 33 medical units across 8 hospitals reduced non-injurious falls by 17% and injurious falls by 9%. The program resulted in $22 million in savings over a 5-year study period, with a cost of each fall estimated at $62,521.
A nationwide study led by Harvard researchers found that patients in health systems receive marginally better care but report slightly better experiences, while care comes at a much higher price. The analysis suggests that health systems have not realized their potential for better care at equal or lower cost.
The Collaborative for Telehealth and Aging has published the first-ever guidelines for offering telehealth services to older patients. The principles provide general rules for behavior, while the guidelines offer specificity for each principle, aiming to achieve individual goals for programs and providers.
The American College of Physicians recommends using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or second-generation antidepressants as initial treatment for adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The guideline also suggests considering combination therapy and discussing patient preferences when selecting a treatment.
A survey of primary care clinicians revealed that 44% of patients experience cost-related insulin underuse, with those experiencing poor diabetes control not being more likely to report underuse. Clinicians can address this issue by using empathy to discuss cost barriers and increase the likelihood of changing insulin prescriptions.
A study by Kennesaw State University researcher Weiwei Chen found that COVID surges led to poorer outcomes for non-COVID patients in hospitals overwhelmed with COVID cases. The odds of an in-hospital death were 1.2 times higher among non-COVID patients than before the pandemic.
A new study published in CMAJ found that COPD patients who undergo major surgery are more likely to die and incur higher healthcare costs than similar patients without COPD. The study included 932 patients aged 35+ in Ontario, with COPD patients being older, more frail, and having lower income.
A new study reveals that replacing traditional wood- and charcoal-burning stoves in sub-Saharan Africa could save up to 463,000 lives yearly due to reduced air pollution. The OnStove tool provides a data-based way to calculate costs and benefits of transitioning to cleaner alternatives.
A study by UC Davis Health researchers found that telehealth visits saved patients around 53.7 million miles of travel, eliminated the need for 42.4 injuries and 0.7 fatalities, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 21,466 metric tons over two years.
Researchers at Aston University discovered that mechanical vibrations can improve balance control and strengthen calf muscles. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that whole-body vibration could be used to reduce falls and hospital bed days in older people.
The immunization program costs in low- and middle-income countries are driven mainly by the cost of delivery, with a funding gap projected to decline in the coming years. To bridge this gap, both national-level scale-up and resource mobilization are essential for improving vaccine financing.
Researchers have developed an innovative amputated human limb model to evaluate molecularly targeted fluorescent probes for human tissues. The model allows for controlled testing of imaging agents with zero risk to patients, improving the accuracy and safety of surgical procedures.
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) drugs are more effective and cost-effective than low molecular weight heparin for treating cancer-associated thrombosis. The research compared the three DOACs with low molecular weight heparin using a computer model that simulated major...
The American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates as initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis patients. Long-term use may increase risks, so treatment duration should be limited to 5 years or less.
Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that healthcare costs and out-of-pocket expenditures have continued to rise despite the Affordable Care Act improvements. Women with employer-sponsored insurance report greater difficulty paying for needed health care services, particularly dental and mental health care.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for cancer-associated thrombosis found that DOACs are more medically effective and cost-effective. The most cost-effective DOAC, apixaban, was also shown to be the least costly anticoagulant.
A randomized trial found that non-invasive interventions for treating spine pain improved disability and quality of life but did not decrease healthcare spending. Both treatments provided a small but significant reduction in pain-related disability at 12 months.
A UC Riverside study found that farmworkers in the Eastern Coachella Valley lack information and means to advocate for better public health due to language barriers, job insecurity, and limited access to healthcare. The study highlights disproportionate respiratory illness affecting Latinx children living near the Salton Sea.
A new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found significant cost savings by eliminating sedation during pediatric brain MRI examinations. The analysis calculated costs for sedated, nonsedated, and limited MRI exams at three US hospitals, revealing that labor costs were the largest expense category.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommends against routine COVID-19 testing for symptom-free patients. Instead, enhanced infection prevention interventions should be used to protect patients and healthcare providers.
A study found that Medicare costs for metastatic prostate cancer increased significantly between 2007 and 2017, with average annual spending per patient rising from $28,311 to $37,055. The majority of the increase was attributed to new treatments under Medicare Part D, such as radium-223, sipuleucel-T, abiraterone, and enzalutamide.
A new study reveals that older adults are hesitant to seek emergency care due to financial worries. Among those who may need care, 22% skip the visit altogether. Those in their 50s and early 60s, women, uninsured individuals, low-income households, and those with poor mental health are disproportionately affected.
A national survey of healthcare providers reveals that nearly 60% believe telehealth is 'dangerous' for older adults, while another 60% say it's an unrealistic option. However, 68% of clinicians report often or always working to prepare and account for older adults' physical and cognitive differences.
A study found that joint replacement prices are not associated with quality of care, but rather with the type of insurer. The study analyzed publicly available data from 18 hospitals in California and found significant price differences between different payer types.
A study found that PPMC-owned practices focusing on clinical management lead to significantly lower C-section rates, while those focusing on financial management lead to higher rates. This suggests that the business strategies used by PPMCs can impact patient care.
A new study reveals that child abuse and neglect are associated with significant excess public hospital costs in South Australia. The research found that individual costs increased with age and severity of abuse or neglect, resulting in an 18% cost penalty on the state's public hospital system.
AORN Journal researcher Danielle Quintana defines surgical conscience as the moral obligation to perform duties regardless of cost or consequence. Her conceptual model illustrates the importance of consistent, accurate, and safe practice in the perioperative environment.
Researchers from Nagoya University found that 5G network telemedicine is effective in providing telerehabilitation and teletreatment in a remote community. The study showed that 5G transmitted high-definition images with low latency, reducing the need for physical therapist visits and improving patient outcomes.
A University of Gothenburg study found that eliminating copayments for primary care in Sweden's over-85s population has no significant impact on healthcare utilization. However, delayed visits to non-physician professionals were observed, which resulted in reduced healthcare costs.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences found that hospital parking fees significantly correlate with cancer center address transit score and city cost of living across Western Canada. Cities with higher cost of living have less free parking, exacerbating economic burdens on patients.
The study suggests a significant decrease in US melanoma mortality rates, thanks to the availability of effective therapies and new pharmacological treatments. These findings are encouraging and support the continued development of such therapies.
A study of over one million Medicaid beneficiaries found that more than half experienced significant lapses in coverage, with only 25% continuously enrolled throughout the period. The authors recommend increasing investments to improve long-term health outcomes.
A new MIT study suggests that prioritizing polluting power plants in times of wind energy generation could quadruple the health benefits associated with wind power, resulting in $8.4 billion in nationwide health benefits. However, this approach would not address existing disparities in air pollution exposure among low-income and minori...
A study found that more biosimilars have been marketed in Germany and Switzerland than in the US. Policies promoting competition could lower healthcare costs by increasing access to these cheaper alternatives.
A self-driven healthcare ecosystem supports individuals in managing their own health and wellbeing by recording and uploading data through a secure online portal. This approach aims to improve health outcomes while controlling costs and addressing social determinants of health.
For adrenal lesions evaluated by single-phase dual-energy CT, fat fraction had significantly higher sensitivity than virtual noncontrast attenuation at both clinically optimal threshold and traditional ≤10 HU threshold. Fat fraction-derived metrics can help definitively diagnose incidental adrenal lesions as adenomas.
A comprehensive analysis of quality improvement initiatives in operating rooms reveals that sustainability interventions can significantly reduce costs and decrease carbon footprint. The study identified effective strategies such as powering down lights and equipment, reducing waste, and implementing recycling programs.
Researchers at Texas A&M University engineered DARPins to block the interaction between the COVID-19 virus and host cells, significantly reducing disease progression. The nasal sprays showed effectiveness against various variants, including omicron, and could provide a lower-cost therapeutic option for those at high risk.
A study found that high deductible health plans can lead to a decrease in the number of women undergoing indicated breast imaging, particularly those with lower incomes and education levels. The researchers hope their findings will inform efforts to remove financial barriers to care and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that more public health data is needed on the utilization of cervical cancer screening-associated services among older women. The analysis showed that over 1.3 million women received cervical cancer screening-associated services after age 65, with costs exceeding $83 million.