Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A new UCLA study found that fixed vial sizes for the controversial Alzheimer's drug aducanumab could result in significant wasteful spending of up to $605 million per year on Medicare. The researchers suggest reducing vial sizes to contain costs and improve the value of future Medicare spending.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) says inadequate access to nutritious food negatively impacts the health of many Americans, exacerbating social factors and leading to various health issues. The ACP recommends strengthening the nation's food insecurity response and empowering physicians to address social drivers of health.
A study found that only 32% of hospital websites provided full compliance with the Hospital Price Transparency Rule, which requires online posting of prices for knee and hip replacement. Many hospitals also failed to provide machine-readable files or required users to provide personal information.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that Medicare could save up to $3.6 billion by purchasing generic drugs at the same prices as the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. The researchers compared the price of 89 generic drugs sold by MCCPDC to the price Medicare paid in 2020 and estimated potential savings of up to $3....
Research found that people who experience little unemployment after age 35 have better health than those with frequent unemployment in their twenties and thirties. Frequent unemployment can also lead to worse physical and mental health by age 50.
A study finds that adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) experience higher rates of endocrine and metabolic conditions, as well as cardiovascular disease. Daily somatropin injections improve quality of life, but treatment rates remain low.
A new study published in Nutrients found that individuals with higher red blood cell DHA levels have a 49% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted on 1,490 participants aged 65 and older, suggests that increasing dietary omega-3 DHA levels may slow the development of the disease.
A recent OSU study found people with rare diseases often wait years for diagnosis, experience anxiety, depression and stigma due to inaccessible care. Education of medical professionals is crucial to address these challenges.
Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic decedents with dementia used less hospice but more emergency department and inpatient services. They incurred higher Medicare inpatient expenditures, with a 60% increase compared to white decedents.
A new modeling study found that reducing excess prevalence of low birthweight, preterm birth, or small-for-gestational-age birth in low- and middle-income countries could lead to substantial long-term human capital gains. The study estimates potential gains of 20.3 million school years and $68.8 billion in lifetime income per birth coh...
Researchers found a significant rise in proportion of patients in SWOG cancer trials insured by Medicaid after ACA's Medicaid expansion. The proportion increased by 20% each year following the expansion, resulting in a threefold increase over expected levels.
A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that dementia diagnoses are often accompanied by significant increases in healthcare costs. The research found that the average Medicare spending jumped by 150% after a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia.
Residents of Ontario retirement homes have high rates of hospital-based care compared to long-term care facilities and community-dwelling individuals. They have double the rate of emergency department visits and hospital admissions as LTC residents, but lower rates of primary care visits.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group presented promising trial results at ASCO 2022, including an 8-year survival rate in the CHAARTED prostate trial. The research also explored outcomes by tobacco use in head and neck studies, shedding light on cancer treatment effectiveness.
A new study found that unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for nonhospitalized children resulted in 2.8 million cases of avoidable infections, costing the US at least $74 million. Children prescribed inappropriate antibiotics were up to eight times more likely to develop complications such as diarrhea and skin rashes.
Researchers at FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine are conducting a two-year study to investigate emergency department-based prevention strategies for high-risk older patients. The project aims to identify effective fall prevention strategies that target limited resources to improve patient outcomes, safety, and reduce healthcare costs.
Case volumes grew by 180% as the eConsult service launched a sub-specialty COVID-19 group in March 2020. The service provided real-time data advice from infectious disease specialists on novel coronavirus, reducing unnecessary specialty referrals and saving time and money.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that private insurers paid hospitals an average of 224% of what Medicare would pay for services in 2020. The study also revealed significant price variations among states, with some paying as low as 175% and others up to 310% of Medicare prices.
Researchers found that people living with SCD have more medical appointments and urgent care visits, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs of $1,300 annually. The study suggests that curative therapies could reduce these costs, but accessing them will depend on conversations among policymakers, insurers, and patients.
A new study reveals that individuals with sickle cell disease spend approximately $1.7 million on lifetime medical expenses, highlighting the significant economic burden of living with this disease. The study found that out-of-pocket costs for those with private insurance plans can be as high as 5-10% of their annual income.
A national study found that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine prevented 8.7 million symptomatic cases, 690,000 hospitalizations, and 110,000 deaths in the US. The vaccine also saved more than $30 billion in healthcare costs and over $40 billion in lost productivity.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that federal subsidies offset losses for hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research revealed that hospitals serving socioeconomically disadvantaged patients and those with higher uninsured patient populations were particularly affected by financial losses.
A new study found that states with less rigorous regulations have lower rates of residents dying at home or with hospice care. Dual Medicare-Medicaid status is also linked to worse access to high-quality end-of-life care.
A new study finds that having three or more children is negatively correlated with late-life cognition, with the effect strongest in Northern Europe. The researchers suggest that this may be due to financial stress and reduced social interaction, leading to potential cognitive deterioration.
Researchers have discovered a simple way to prevent pharmaceutical fraud using candy-coated pills with unique color patterns. The technique, called CandyCode, uses tiny multicolored candy nonpareils as a uniquely identifiable coating for pharmaceutical capsules and pills.
A recent study in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery reveals that thyroid cancer patients in the US experience substantial financial burdens. The researchers propose a novel framework to help guide future research and inform cancer care providers on cost considerations.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are developing a low-cost handheld device that can accurately diagnose skin cancers in just a few seconds. The device uses millimeter-wave imaging, which reflects differently on cancerous and healthy tissue, allowing for precise detection.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have developed a novel approach to reprogramming cardiac implantable devices during MRI scans remotely. This technology has shown safe and effective results, saving time and money by eliminating the need for device representatives or on-site personnel.
Firearm injuries and associated healthcare costs are highest in the poorer South, but federal state programmes cover only a third of these expenses. The researchers argue that this is tantamount to an 'anti-poor policy'.
Research shows that around three quarters of total US healthcare costs for people with obesity are accounted for by the 20% highest-cost cases. These high-cost individuals had substantially more obesity-related complications and economic burden than those in lower cost categories.
A retrospective study examined deaths, injuries, and hospital costs after a 30-foot border wall was built in San Diego and Imperial counties. The study found that raising the US-Mexico wall resulted in increased migrant deaths, trauma center admissions, and severity of injuries.
A new microsimulation model projects that the Japanese population will live longer and experience a decrease in years spent living with dementia. However, older women with less than a high school education are more likely to be affected by both dementia and frailty.
A new study estimates the national economic burden of PTSD at $232.2 billion for 2018, with civilians accounting for 82% of the total costs. The study calls for increased awareness, effective therapies, and expanded evidence-based strategies to reduce the clinical and economic burden of PTSD.
ACOs with higher percentages of minority patients have lower quality performance and poorer preventive care outcomes. In contrast, ACOs with lower out-of-network primary care rates show no differences in quality performance among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new report estimates the total economic burden of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States to be over $85 billion, with direct medical costs reaching $63.3 billion and indirect non-medical costs totaling $22.1 billion. The average excess medical cost per person with MS was found to be $65,612.
A new study reveals funding for fertility preservation policies varies across the UK, with Scotland offering the most inclusive approach. The study highlights the need for standardization of policies to ensure equal access to care for patients.
The COVID-19 treatment remdesivir dominated hospital drug spending in 2021, with total spending reaching $576.9 billion. Biosimilars usage increased, saving the healthcare system money, while new drugs like aducanumab and upcoming oncology approvals are expected to impact spending.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that people who survive firearm injuries face greater risks of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and pain in the year following injury. The analysis showed significant increases in healthcare spending, with gunshot survivors averaging $2,495 more per month compared...
A new RAND Corporation study found that hospital prices charged to commercial health plans increased by 7 percentage points compared to Medicare rates between 2012 and 2019. The study identified large regional variations, with some areas experiencing significant price increases while others saw declines.
A randomized controlled trial found that community health workers (CHWs) employed by Medicaid plans can help low-income individuals rely less on emergency rooms and more on outpatient care. The study showed significant reductions in acute care visits and costs, while outpatient visits increased among participants who connected with a CHW.
A new analysis reveals that salt substitutes are not only effective in reducing stroke risk but also cost-saving, with costs outweighing the cost of the intervention. The study found a 14% reduction in stroke risk and 13% reduction in strokes and heart attacks combined.
A rehabilitation psychologist's role is to guide patients through the process of rehab and recovery, addressing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional barriers that hinder progress. These experts can help individuals adjust to a new diagnosis, stay motivated during recovery, and deal with the emotional aftermath of hospitalization.
A University of Illinois study found that neighborhoods with fewer trees have higher medical costs and poorer health outcomes. Residents in areas with more tree cover incur $374 less in medical costs per year, a difference that translates to approximately $194 million annually.
A new study found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) plus anti-seizure medications significantly reduces hospital costs for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. The study showed patients treated with VNS and ASM had lower inpatient healthcare utilization and outpatient care costs compared to those treated with ASM alone.
A new study reveals that Latine children who prefer speaking Spanish are more likely to visit a community health center for their acute asthma symptoms than non-Hispanic white peers. Non-Hispanic Black children are also more likely to receive asthma-related care in emergency departments.
Investments in primary care research can enhance community-centeredness, reducing inequities in access, quality, and outcomes of care. Strategic research prioritizes whole person care and innovative payment models to support primary care's future success.
Researchers urge federal intervention to make naloxone widely available, citing a 30% increase in fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020. The lack of accessible distribution points and high costs are major barriers to access, with one prescription dispensed for every 70 high-dose opioid prescriptions nationwide.
A new study found that nearly one in five children with complex medical conditions require out-of-network care for behavioral health treatment, resulting in higher costs and burdens for families. The study highlights the need for improved provider networks and policy solutions to address this issue.
A study by Clemson University analyzed 5 million individuals in Northern California and found that residents with access to nearby green spaces experienced lower healthcare costs. The research highlights the importance of incorporating green spaces into urban planning to improve public health outcomes.
A landmark study demonstrates that a community-based group exercise programme can prevent physical decline and improve quality of life in older adults with mobility limitations. The REACT programme, which involves individually tailored exercises and social interaction, shows promising results in reducing health and care costs.
Incidental imaging findings in medical imaging studies are often overlooked by providers, leading to delayed and missed care. Northwestern Medicine's AI-powered system identifies these findings and triggers alerts for follow-up, improving patient outcomes. The system has been shown to flag over 68,000 lung finding occurrences per year.
A study of 29,000 Medicare claims data found a strong association between midlife BMI and later-life health outcomes. The research suggests that individuals with higher BMIs in midlife are more likely to experience adverse health and reduced longevity.
A new study by University of Alberta researchers estimates that excessive sugar consumption in Canada results in $5 billion annual healthcare costs due to 16 chronic diseases. Limiting free sugar intake could reduce diabetes prevalence by 27% if Canadians follow the 10% recommendation, and 44.8% if they limit consumption to less than 5...
A pilot study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that rehabilitation at home (RAH) can lead to lower costs ($8,404 vs. $9,215) and improved patient experiences, including increased activities of daily living. The study also showed signals towards greater functional status improvement.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that birthing parents are at a higher risk of financial burden due to out-of-pocket medical costs, with low-income families facing the highest risks. Public health insurance, including Medicaid, was associated with lower risks of catastrophic health expenditures.
A study of nearly 158,000 US residents found that immigrants had increased financial worries in areas like retirement and medical costs, despite lower overall rates of psychological distress. However, serious psychological distress was associated with higher levels of financial worry in non-US-born individuals.
A new study found that dual-eligible patients for Medicare and Medicaid have poorer outcomes and higher costs after cancer surgery, even in high-quality hospitals. These patients are more likely to experience complications, longer hospital stays, and lower chances of going home instead of a nursing facility.
Researchers developed a video game-based therapy, Recovery Rapids, to aid stroke patients in improving their motor skills from home. The game helped patients adhere to exercises and showed similar outcomes to traditional constraint-induced therapy.
Researchers at Washington State University found a causal link between natural gas flaring and increased hospital visits for respiratory health in North Dakota. The study estimated that a 1% increase in flared natural gas increases the hospitalization rate by 0.73%, highlighting the significant impact of flaring on human health.
A modelling study published in The Lancet Public Health suggests that continuing to use face masks for at least two weeks after hitting COVID-19 vaccination targets is cost-effective and saves lives. The study found that maintaining mask use saves billions of dollars in societal and healthcare costs and greatly reduces hospitalisations...