Articles tagged with Health Care 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 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 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...
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 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.
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.
Researchers developed an AI model to analyze spatial and temporal gait parameters, identifying key features for diagnosing Parkinson's. The model achieved high diagnostic accuracy, reducing the probability of error in clinical assessments.
The study found that COVID-19 vaccination in New York City reduced severe outcomes and avoided substantial economic losses. Every dollar invested yielded estimated savings of $10.19 in health costs.
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan finds that patients with documented housing instability were more likely to receive diagnoses for mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental conditions, and had longer hospital stays. The study used data from 2017-2019 and found that caring for hospitalized people with housing is...
A study in Japan reveals that universal screening methods for biliary atresia, a rare and severe lung condition in infants, are cost-effective. The research found that stool color card screening and direct bilirubin testing gained significant clinical benefits and saved lives.
The November issue of CHEST journal features new guidelines for perioperative management, studies on COVID-19 treatment and COPD treatment, as well as research on sleep apnea and long COVID. These findings have significant implications for patient care and healthcare resource use.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine estimates the economic burden of acute firearm injuries at a Level I Trauma Center in New Orleans, resulting in a net loss of $20.3 million over four years. The study highlights the significant financial impact of gun violence on healthcare systems and society.
A new study finds that working-age people who survive serious traumatic injuries face a lasting financial burden, with higher rates of medical debt in collections and bankruptcy. The study suggests that restructuring health insurance plans to reduce or cap cost-sharing for highly necessary trauma care could help alleviate this issue.
A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals that patients with Alzheimer's dementia and related disorders who also experience delirium incur significantly higher healthcare costs. The average additional cost for one delirium ADRD patient's year of care is $34,828 more than non-delirium ADRD counterparts.
A study led by J. Tom Mueller examines the impact of Medicaid expansion across rural and urban communities and ethnic or racial groups. The research aims to determine whether reduced mortality rates are observed in all populations.
Research conducted at Linköping University found that screening for atrial fibrillation in older people could increase the chance of preventing stroke while saving money for healthcare systems. The study, based on data from the STROKESTOP clinical trial, suggests that screening can be a cost-effective intervention.
Experts warn that poorly functioning IT systems are a clear and present threat to patient safety, resulting from inadequate investment and lack of prioritization. The British Medical Association estimates that 27% of clinicians lose over four hours a week due to inefficient IT systems, highlighting the need for urgent improvement.
Researchers found that patients who received automated text messages from their primary care team after discharge had a significant decrease in hospital readmission (55%) and emergency care use (41%) compared to those who did not receive the texts. This study adds to evidence that connecting with patients through text messaging can hel...
A randomized controlled trial found that oral ENT-01 significantly improves constipation and possibly neurological symptoms in persons with Parkinson disease. The treatment is safe for up to 25 days, with a dose-dependent effect that persists beyond the treatment period.
Research at American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2022 found that bypass surgery improves blood flow to legs and feet, reducing major amputations and repeat procedures by 65% and 27%, respectively. The study of 1,830 patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia concluded that surgical bypass is a better option for those wit...
A recent analysis of the Family Heart Database found that individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia are more likely to receive adequate treatment if they are White, male, and have higher income or education. The study highlights a significant unmet need for improving equity in cardiovascular risk reduction.
A study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that breast cancer survivorship has doubled among Canadian women, with 2.1% of adult females diagnosed with breast cancer and 86% surviving by 2022. The prevalence varies by age group, with senior women having a higher rate of survival.
A new study shows that a simple nutrition care program can improve nutritional status, physical functionality, cognitive function, and psychological well-being in older adults. The program reduced hospitalizations by 40% and associated 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.