Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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 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 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.