Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A new study suggests that maintaining face mask use for two to 10 weeks beyond reaching vaccination coverage thresholds of 70-90% fully vaccinated could prevent a substantial number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, while saving businesses and taxpayers money. The study found that this could save $2.9 billion in direct medical co...
In a study published in Social Science & Medicine, researchers found that young people in Uganda are turning to healers for their holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health. Healers provide a destigmatized, holistic SRH experience by embracing young people's sexual citizenship.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute examines cost-related experiences of families with non-group health insurance plans. Despite lower out-of-pocket spending among subsidy-eligible enrollees, negative cost-related experiences persist, highlighting the need for expanded subsidies to address affordability challenges.
CLABSIs contribute significantly to infant morbidity and mortality in the NICU, leading to prolonged hospitalization and increased healthcare costs. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America provides practical guidance on preventing CLABSI through implementation of specific strategies.
A survey of young adult cancer survivors found that crowdfunding provides relief in paying bills, but also involves compromises such as revealing personal health details and feeling uncomfortable asking for help. The study suggests that crowdfunding could be exacerbating racial and economic disparities.
A new study found that fungal infections result in significant healthcare spending, with direct costs of $6.7 billion and secondary infections contributing to a total of $37.7 billion in U.S. national health care expenses. Fungal infections doubled hospital costs, patient stays, and mortality risk.
A new study suggests that outpatient treatment for infective endocarditis can reduce mortality rates, extend life expectancy, and be more cost-effective than standard inpatient therapy. The strategy also showed improved cure rates compared to other approaches.
A cost-effectiveness analysis found that adherence promotion programs like MAPS reduce costs and improve outcomes for adolescent kidney transplant recipients. Strategies with similar costs to MAPS can still be cost-effective if they decrease rejection episodes by a small amount.
A study found that older adults are open to using smart packaging to track their medication, with ease of use and social support being key factors. However, device size, cost, and inconsistent technology usage were major drawbacks, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to assess patient needs before recommending these products.
A study published in Obesity found that telemedicine can mitigate barriers to obesity care, including limited access to specialized care and high costs. Virtual interactions between patients and healthcare providers may be more cost-effective and lead to better weight loss outcomes.
The Commission on the North American Opioid Crisis recommends banning direct marketing to prescribers and curbing industry influence on medical education. The group also suggests standardizing addiction care within health systems and improving access to medication-assisted treatment.
A recent study found that early detection of type 1 diabetes in children can effectively monitor and treat the disease. The cost analysis shows that standard screening could reduce costs from 28 euros to 22 euros per child, while also preventing metabolic derailments and their consequences.
A nationwide study in Germany found that liver cirrhosis has the highest mortality rate among chronic diseases, with 0.94% of hospital admissions affected. The study also showed a decline in mortality rates due to improvements in Hepatitis C treatment, but an increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cases.
A study by Aldridge found that hospice care during the last days and months of life is associated with reduced total health care costs. This association has significant implications for healthcare policy and strategy.
A new machine learning process has been developed to identify and classify hip fractures from X-rays, achieving 92% accuracy and confidence. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce care costs, and alleviate the bottleneck of unreported radiographs in the UK.
A new study found nearly 17% of cancer survivors experience moderate or increased housing insecurity, complicating disease management and healthcare navigation. Housing insecurity also correlates with lower household income, educational attainment, and being Black.
Researchers in Japan evaluated the cost-effectiveness of adding dipstick hematuria screening to a mass health check-up program. The study found that including routine testing for hematuria would promote early detection and treatment, leading to cost savings and improved patient outcomes. This cost-effective approach has the potential t...
A UOC study analyzed 28,000 European citizens' perceptions of robot-assisted surgery, finding that experience and user-friendliness are key factors in trust. The study highlights the need for a patient-aligned robotic strategy to develop effective healthcare policies.
The ESMO-WHO collaboration developed an evidence-based methodology for evaluating national medication formularies, helping Kazakhstan update its list of essential cancer medicines and treatment protocols. The approach resulted in increased budget allocation to cancer care and improved access to high-quality treatments.
A new European report reveals a massive treatment gap and disparities in osteoporosis care, with significant economic burden and projected increases in fragility fractures. The report emphasizes the need for improved service provision and uptake, particularly in countries with high disease burdens.
A new study found that rural patients rely on primary care physicians and nurses more often, leading to higher copays and out-of-pocket costs for mental health care. The usage gap narrowed over time, but quality and cost of care remained inequitable.
The global healthcare cost of female genital mutilation (FGM) is estimated to double from $1.4 billion in 2018 to $2.1 billion by 2047 in 27 countries, with the number of affected women and girls rising to 205 million per year. Abandoning FGM completely could reduce costs to $0.8 billion annually.
A novel blood test, Stockholm3, in combination with MRI reduces overdiagnosis of low-risk cancers by 60% and unnecessary biopsies by 9%. This cost-effective approach is recommended for Sweden's organized prostate cancer testing (OPT) pilot projects.
Researchers from KTU proposed a deep-learning-based method for 3D human shape reconstruction using limited-angle depth data. The method can be integrated with existing virtual reality tools and has potential applications in telemedicine and remote diagnostics.
Research found that patients with hepatitis B were unable to afford generic drug entecavir due to high out-of-pocket costs, despite generic manufacturer competition. The study concludes that patients appear shielded from benefits of generic competition, leading to a significant patient-cost burden.
A UCLA-led study found that aducanumab's ancillary care services, such as MRIs and neurologist visits, account for nearly 20% of total Medicare costs. The estimated annual spending on the drug could increase Medicare premiums.
A study found that a redesigned patient-centered medical home (PCMH) approach focusing on defined 'high-value elements' (HVEs) does not reduce healthcare costs for patients at primary care practices. The HVE approach was associated with an increased rate of emergency department visits, but no change in total costs.
A large clinical trial involving over 5,000 patients found that commonly used saline solution is as effective at keeping people alive and their organs functioning as more expensive balanced solutions. The study's results provide greater certainty about the safety and benefits of saline solution for treatment.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released two new clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of diverticulitis. The guidelines recommend that clinicians manage most patients with uncomplicated disease in outpatient settings without antibiotics, while patients with complicated disease should be referred for colonos...
A new study reveals that health insurers are covering most of the cost of ivermectin prescriptions for COVID-19, despite the drug's ineffective treatment against the virus. The study estimates that U.S. private and Medicare plans may have paid $2.4 million for ivermectin prescriptions in a single week alone.
Research finds that psychological distress among AYA cancer survivors is associated with higher annual medical expenses and greater health care use, including more office visits and prescription medications. The study suggests screening for psychological distress can help mitigate these effects.
A study published in Age and Ageing found that annual rates of hospital transfers decrease with age, but younger residents are more likely to require dialysis or tube feeding. In contrast, older residents are more likely to have cognitive decline, dementia, and diabetes.
A randomized controlled trial involving 51 GP practices and 404 patients found a significant reduction in the number of medicines prescribed for older people with multimorbidity. The intervention group experienced over 800 medicines being stopped, with only mild adverse reactions reported.
A recent study found that three out of four patients with metastatic colorectal cancer experienced major financial hardship within 12 months of diagnosis, despite having access to health insurance. The study also showed a link between financial hardship and decreased quality of life and social functioning.
A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.
A new evidence review by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that the expensive multiple sclerosis drug Acthar provides very little clinical benefit compared to less-expensive alternatives. The study screened 41 studies and found weak or no benefit from Acthar against standard medications like corticosteroids.
A study found that nearly a quarter of pregnant and postpartum women in the US reported unmet healthcare need due to cost. Women with private insurance and lower incomes were more likely to experience unaffordable healthcare, while those with public insurance and higher incomes had better access.
A retrospective analysis of anonymized health claims data reveals that three in four sepsis survivors experience post-sepsis morbidity, with over half of those under 40 developing new diagnoses. Average treatment costs for the first three years after discharge are €29,000.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that over half of US hospitals failed to comply with new pricing disclosure rules, despite 75% compliance in some regions and states. Hospitals' decisions on compliance were linked to peer hospital performance and health IT preparedness.
A new analysis proposes four solutions states can implement to improve Medicaid eligibility for seniors, including eliminating the asset test or increasing its limit. This could lead to lower administrative burdens and improved health outcomes for eligible individuals.
A third of US kids lack good and consistent health insurance, with inadequate insurance driving the trend. Families with private insurance and children with special needs are disproportionately affected.
A Norwegian study reveals that out-of-hours emergency doctors with higher admission rates inflict significant unnecessary costs on hospitals. The study found that patients seen by these doctors have a greater chance of hospital stays, particularly those over 69 years old.
The state of Georgia could dramatically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by using onsite electric power, creating new jobs and a healthier public. CHP systems can be 85-90% efficient, reducing peak demand on the grid and providing ultra-high system efficiencies, cleaner air, and more affordable energy.
A survey of 2,100 adults found that patients are willing to use video visits for medical care after COVID-19, but prefer in-person care. Those who preferred video visits were more sensitive to out-of-pocket costs.
A RAND Corporation study found that Americans generally prefer in-person care but are willing to use telehealth services with lower out-of-pocket costs. The study suggests that financial issues may limit the continued expansion of telehealth after the pandemic.
A recent study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that nursing homes acquired by private equity companies have lower quality of care and higher Medicare costs. Residents at these facilities were 11% more likely to have emergency room visits and hospitalizations, resulting in $1,080 higher annual Medicare costs.
A University at Buffalo study explores how social and economic characteristics influence hospital readmissions and health inequity in the US. The research found that patients with lower household income, male gender, or treated in urban hospitals have a higher risk of being readmitted within a month of discharge.
Researchers developed EDS-HAT, an AI-powered system combining machine learning and whole genome sequencing to detect clusters of similar infections in real-time. The system identified 99 clusters of infections and prevented potential transmissions in 65.7% of cases, saving the hospital $692,500.
A massive multi-site study reveals that incontinence and IAD are associated with significantly higher healthcare costs, longer hospital stays and poorer patient outcomes. Incontinent patients have a 4.7 times greater risk of sacral pressure injuries compared to continent patients.
A UC study found that Ohioans consider various factors beyond distance and cost when selecting an abortion clinic, including personal experiences, online reviews, and clinic type. The research highlights the importance of social myths and risk perception in shaping choices about abortion care.
A study led by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that lifelong immunoglobulin replacement therapy reduces premature deaths by 37% but is not cost-effective due to high costs. Reducing IRT prices could make it a more affordable option.
A new predictive tool has been developed to identify patients most at risk of experiencing a delayed discharge from hospital. The eight-variable model uses data collected when patients are admitted to hospital and is currently being piloted at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
A new mobile phone app called GrowthMonitor can accurately measure children's height and detect potential growth disorders, enabling early diagnosis and treatment. The app uses a traffic light system to inform parents of normal, amber, or red growth status, empowering them to take action.
Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identified as cost-efficient strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The study suggests that desynchronization of teams had limited effectiveness due to economic constraints.
Defects in surgical care cost the American health care system over $12 billion annually. A holistic approach through Centers of Excellence can address these defects, increasing quality, patient experience, and reducing costs.
A new study found that chronic hepatitis C patients in hospital clinics spent five times more on out-of-pocket costs than those treated in community clinics. Patients lost an average of $743 in time over three months due to CHC, while caregivers also bear a significant financial burden.
US emergency department spending grew to $136.6 billion in 2016, with road injuries and falls accounting for the highest amount of ED spending. The study found that ED spending per visit increased at an annualized rate of 3.4% over the decade.
A new report reveals that cancer patients in the US bear a significant financial burden, with total out-of-pocket costs reaching over $21 billion in 2019. The majority of these costs are associated with breast and prostate cancers, which are among the most prevalent types in the country.
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland suggests that consuming one serving of whole grains daily can reduce type 2 diabetes incidence and associated costs in Finland. The potential cost savings could be up to €1 billion over ten years, leading to healthier years for individuals.
Researchers propose a new model that transfers power to patients to advocate for their own health, enabling them to design interventions with support from healthcare providers. The study finds that traditional expert models are inefficient in treating chronic diseases and socially determined health issues.