Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A recent investigation by The BMJ reveals dozens of UK companies offering private blood tests with misleading claims, contradicting official medical guidance and potentially harming individuals. Experts argue for regulation to protect consumers and prevent unnecessary costs for the NHS.
Researchers used big datasets to show that annual health care costs were significantly higher among children without allergist care for peanut allergy compared to those who received care. Care from an allergist resulted in lower total health care costs, saving $1,923 per child.
A study by the Radiological Society of North America found that health insurance companies often pay more than necessary for radiology services, leading to higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The study also suggests that radiologists can play a key role in delivering high-quality, low-cost care to patients.
Expanding medically tailored meal programs nationwide could help prevent 1.6 million hospitalizations annually, saving $13.6 billion in healthcare costs. These programs provide nutritionally customized meals for patients with serious illnesses, supporting improved health outcomes and reduced stress levels.
A landmark study published in The Lancet found that chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine aqueous solutions are equally effective in preventing surgical site infections in patients with open fractures. This finding has significant implications for healthcare practitioners and may reduce costs associated with accessing these antis...
Researchers found a 'zero-price effect' in Japan's child healthcare system, where zero cost increases demand for health services. However, this can lead to poor allocation of resources and overuse of antibiotics.
A new study demonstrates that standardizing ultrasound-guided PIV insertions using an innovative sterile barrier dressing, UltraDrape, improves outcomes and reduces costs. The results show a 73% reduction in supply costs and a 50% decrease in staff time for insertions.
Researchers found significant regional differences in LTC spending, driven by factors such as population demographics and disability classification. Preventive measures may help reduce costs by reducing the need for long-term care.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that Medicare eligibility at age 65 is associated with significant improvements in health care access and financial strain for low-income adults. The study also found modest effects on higher-income adults, suggesting that lowering the age of Medicare eligibility could advance health equity ...
A new study from the University of Bergen found that prophylactic anti-malarials can save money and reduce hospital readmissions for severely anaemic children in malaria-endemic areas. The research showed a 70% reduction in readmissions and deaths among these children.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to quickly recognize predictive risk factors and their importance for undesirable hospitalization outcomes. The model achieved an accuracy of 95.6% and identified modifiable risk factors that can be mitigated through clinical interventions.
A new study reveals that scheduling medical appointments on Fridays leads to a 10% increase in patient attendance, with Monday being the day patients are least likely to attend. The research suggests that patients' moods improve later in the week, making it easier for them to face medical appointments.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that the Emergency Critical Care Center within an emergency department improved patient survival rates without increasing costs. The ED-ICU model reduced total direct cost per encounter by 22.1% for critically ill patients, likely due to early, coordinated critical care.
Researchers found that 3.1% of Ontario family physicians stopped working in the first six months of the pandemic, with higher rates among older physicians and those with smaller patient panels. The rate of physician stoppages rose from 1.6% between 2010-2019 to 3% in 2020, exacerbating Canada's primary care physician shortage.
A cross-sectional study of 60 new therapeutic agents found no association between research and development investments and treatment costs. The study's findings suggest that drug companies should make further data available to justify high prices.
A new study found that placing a monthly cap on out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured patients could lower their highest monthly healthcare bills by 50-60%. A $500 monthly limit would affect about 25% of enrollees and reduce in-network OOP costs over a year by 46%, while a $250 limit would show a 51% reduction.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that periodontitis has a particular link with diabetes and accelerates its progression. The research highlights the importance of considering general and oral health as a whole in healthcare to achieve better treatment outcomes.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that adults with more chronic health conditions are at higher risk of serious financial problems, including late payments, poor credit scores, and bankruptcy. The study analyzed nearly 3 million privately insured adults and found that those with seven or more chronic conditions had three to four...
A pioneering behavioural diagnostic tool, SPUR, has been developed to improve medication adherence in type 2 diabetes patients. The study found that the tool can reliably identify patients struggling with their medicines and the reasons why.
For people at high risk of overdose enrolled in a safer opioid supply program, there was a rapid decrease in emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and health care costs. The study found improved outcomes for participants compared to those not exposed to the program.
A study found that many people with health insurance still struggle with medical debt, which can lead to evictions, foreclosures, and food insecurity. The analysis of survey data suggests a significant association between medical debt and worsening social determinants of health.
Researchers found that 12% of cancer survivors lived in poverty, experiencing negative effects on physical and mental health. Financial burden of cancer care persists years after diagnosis, leading to poor health outcomes and increased mortality.
The study found a significant decline in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis rates over time, with consistent differences in risk by race and age. The decline suggests improvements in clinical practice and highlights the importance of uniform coding standards to identify additional risk factors.
A budget impact analysis found that catheter-based TAVR is an affordable and effective strategy for treating aortic stenosis patients, with lower total costs compared to surgical SAVR. The study showed that the upfront cost of TAVR is partially offset by reduced healthcare resources, making it a more efficient option.
A new blood test has shown promising results for detecting multiple types of cancer from tumor DNA in the blood, enabling early detection and potentially changing cancer screening practices. The test's accuracy and effectiveness have been demonstrated in a recent study, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
The study found that pandemic federal programs, including grab-and-go school meals and the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program, reached over 30 million children and provided nearly 1.5 billion meals in 2020. The programs helped low-income families access nutritious food during a critical time when schools were closed due to COVID-19.
A recent study found that private equity firms acquiring physician-owned medical practices increase patient volume and billing for visits, raising concerns about the corporatization of healthcare. The study examined 578 physician practices acquired by private equity firms between 2016 and 2020.
A recent investigation by The BMJ reveals that hospital trusts in England are bracing for a significant increase in energy bills this winter, with some anticipating a rise of over 200% in fuel costs. This would result in reduced patient care and staffing levels, posing a major challenge to the NHS's ability to operate effectively.
During the pandemic, UChicago Medicine's Feed1st pantry program doubled its distribution rates, providing over 42,000 pounds of food to patients and staff. This open-access model maximizes dignity and facilitates use, increasing the likelihood that individuals in need will access food resources.
A new RAND Corporation study found that higher-cost Medicare Advantage plans provided only slightly better care on average compared to lower-cost plans. However, quality varied substantially within each premium cost tier, and some high-quality care was observed among many plans in each tier.
A Japanese study found that a single ill healthcare worker caused respiratory infections among 17 patients, resulting in $12,324 in medical costs. The findings highlight the importance of addressing presenteeism and its impact on patient safety.
Researchers found that providing default alternatives and using ordering and partitioning together can improve consumer choice. This study aims to provide a more efficient way for consumers to make better decisions about healthcare products, ultimately improving health outcomes and the efficiency of the healthcare system.
Researchers from UTHealth School of Public Health found that gig workers' insecure income contributes to poor health outcomes, including a sicker workforce and higher unreimbursed healthcare costs. The study suggests COVID-era gig workers will experience greater increases in poor overall health and psychological distress.
Researchers analyzed 2.8 million adults with chronic disease diagnoses and found a correlation between adverse credit outcomes and rising medical debt. The study highlights the significant financial burden associated with chronic conditions.
Most COVID-19 therapeutics clinical trials were publicly funded, with 58% of trials receiving public funding, followed by industry (27%) and partnerships (15%). Clinical trials focused primarily on COVID-19 therapeutics rather than vaccines.
Research finds that patients are most satisfied with publicly regulated and financed healthcare systems. A study of 21 European countries reveals that increased competition has not led to improved patient satisfaction. Instead, Norway's public sector-led system is cited as a model for success.
A new study found that countries with greater universal health coverage had smaller declines in childhood immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries with a high UHC index had an average childhood immunization coverage rate of 92.7% compared to 86.2% in those with lower UHC indices.
A new study surveyed 190 patients and 68 carers in the UK, revealing that patients prefer breathlessness services offered in hospital outpatient clinics or at home. The research found that these services improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs, with estimated savings ranging from £663 to £5086 per person.
A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that urgent care centers can divert imaging tests away from emergency departments after spinal trauma, resulting in cost savings. The study analyzed data from May 2021 to August 2021 and estimated annual savings of $437,928.
Global health researchers argue that poor and vulnerable populations are already bearing the brunt of climate change and will be disproportionately affected by net zero healthcare targets. The NHS in England faces significant challenges in meeting its ambitious emissions reduction goals without exacerbating existing health inequalities.
Combining sauna and exercise for eight weeks improves cardiorespiratory fitness, lowers systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol levels compared to regular exercise alone. The study found the sauna-exercise combination to be superior in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A new hydrogel-based platform increases vaccine thermal stability, enabling distribution in diverse regions without strict temperature control. The technology has the potential to reduce economic costs and health risks associated with cold chain logistics.
Patients who received early physical therapy had significantly lower incidence of health care resource use, including ER visits, in the first month and year after symptom onset. They also spent less money on lower back pain-related services in the first 30 days after symptom onset.
A research team from the Complexity Science Hub Vienna has developed a stress test to identify weaknesses and strengths in healthcare systems. They used data from Austria to show how many resident physicians can drop out before patients don't find a new doctor within reasonable distance, highlighting regional differences in resilience.
A synthetic control analysis of California's millionaire tax found that additional funding could improve mental health outcomes. The study suggests that investing in mental health programs may have prevented up to 5,500 suicides over a 14-year period.
Researchers developed an EHR-embedded card study to replace traditional paper-based methods in clinic-based research. The digital tool increased efficiency and reduced labor costs, as each participant's responses were linked to clinic and patient data.
A new study estimates that exposure to PFAS chemicals may result in $5.5-63 billion in lifetime health costs due to conditions like low birth weight, childhood obesity, kidney cancer, and hypothyroidism. The study supports the EPA's decision to lower safe allowable levels of these substances.
A new funding model is being tested in Pennsylvania, which could lead to higher quality care at lower costs. The global budget model provides a fixed payment to hospitals, incentivizing them to focus on patient outcomes rather than extensive care.
A study of 3,448 active-duty service members found that nearly double the prevalence of problematic anger two years after separation compared to before separation. Problematic anger was linked to behavioral health issues, relationship problems, and economic difficulties up to five years later.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that paclitaxel improves clinical outcomes and is cost-effective compared to commonly used treatments in Kenya. Using paclitaxel instead of bleomycin-vincristine could save 6,400 years-of-life and reduce healthcare expenditures by $3.7 million over five years.
Thousands of people with long covid are traveling abroad for expensive, unproven treatments like apheresis and anti-clotting therapy. Experts question the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, citing inadequate consent forms and lack of evidence.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals stark differences in survival rates for children with retinoblastoma between high- and low-income countries. In low-income countries, the risk of death from retinoblastoma within three years of diagnosis is significantly higher, with over two-fifths of children dying within t...
Researchers from University Hospitals developed a transfusion appropriateness algorithm to analyze blood transfusions for adult patients. The algorithm led to a decrease in transfusions and an increase in appropriate use, resulting in cost savings of $2.5 million over 12 months.
A recent study found that 49% of transgender and gender-diverse patients who undergo gender-affirming genital surgery travel outside their home state, resulting in significantly higher out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average out-of-state patient pays $2,645, compared to $1,781 for in-state patients.
Researchers assessed total medical and out-of-pocket costs for genital gender-affirming surgery, finding that costs differed between procedures conducted in- and outside the patient's state of residence. The study aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the financial burden of this type of surgery.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum brings together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, payors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and opportunities for innovation in cardiovascular care. The forum aims to shape the future of patient care through informed discussion and real-world insight.
A cross-sectional study found significant differences between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and directly measured GFR (mGFR), highlighting the importance of considering uncertainty in eGFR calculations. Researchers suggest renaming eGFR as a population average GFR to improve accuracy.
A new study by University of Missouri found that Black nursing home residents and those under 65 are significantly more likely to experience repeat hospital transfers. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors including 'full-code' status regarding end-of-life care, comorbidities, and inadequate staffing. The study suggests ...
A new study suggests that outsourcing NHS services to the private sector is associated with a decline in healthcare quality, leading to increased deaths from treatable causes. The analysis of over 12,700 files revealed a link between increased privatization and higher rates of treatable mortality.
New research suggests that stalling improvements in cardiovascular diseases since 2010 could lead to significant economic costs. The study finds that reduced cardiovascular disease rates would result in £13 billion NHS healthcare costs, £1.5 billion social care costs, and £32 billion lost QALYs between 2020-2029.