Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A study by University of California - Davis found that meatpacking plants doubled per capita infection rates in affected counties, while chicken-processing plants increased transmission rates by 20 percent. The estimated costs to rural economies exceed $11 billion.
A recent study found that banning tanning beds among U.S. minors would significantly reduce the number of melanoma cases in adolescents, with estimates suggesting up to 15,101 cases prevented over the lifetime of 17.1 million minors. The study also estimated that such a ban would save millions of dollars in healthcare costs.
Out-of-pocket health care expenses in the United States rose significantly between 2000 and 2020, according to a new study. The researchers analyzed changes in healthcare spending over two decades and found that out-of-pocket expenses increased by approximately 50%.
A study of nine uterine transplants from living donors has provided an initial estimate of costs, with total average cost per transplant reported as EUR 74,564. Sick leave accounted for the largest portion of these costs.
Studies found that surgeries performed on Thursdays or Fridays result in mean lengths of stay varying 20-30% compared to Mondays or Tuesdays. Total costs also vary, with surgical costs being about 20% higher for patients treated on Friday and costs 24% higher when discharged late in the week.
Women with high-deductible health plans opted for long-acting reversible contraception devices more than those with other plans, increasing LARC use by 35% between 2013 and 2017. The study found that higher out-of-pocket costs before the ACA mandate severely inhibited women from using LARCs.
A recent study published in Health Affairs found that urgent care centers are associated with increased spending for lower-acuity visits across both emergency departments and urgent care centers. For every 37 urgent care visits, one fewer lower acuity ED visit occurs, but total costs increase rather than decrease.
Nearly 20% of Americans, or over 46 million adults, say they did not seek treatment for a health problem in the last year due to cost. Americans are struggling to afford healthcare, with nearly 30% finding paying for general healthcare a significant financial burden behind housing and taxes.
The study analyzed 412 high-risk NMIBC patients treated with BCG therapy and found significant differences in outcomes according to specific features of the disease. Total median costs at one, two, and five years from start of BCG induction were $29,459, $55,267, and $117,361, respectively.
Professor David Matchar and his team received the Stroke Rehabilitation Award from the American Stroke Association for their project investigating incentives to improve outpatient rehabilitation services among stroke patients. The study found that providing incentives significantly increased the uptake of these services, highlighting a...
A new study analyzing data from over 175,000 people found that excess body weight is associated with higher health care costs for individuals across various BMI levels. The researchers estimated that adult obesity results in $170 billion in excess annual costs per year in the US.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that children's preventive healthcare costs decreased dramatically under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The proportion of checkups with out-of-pocket costs dropped from 54.2% in 2010 to 14.5% in 2018.
A new study estimates that the externalities of coal, oil, and gas are worth trillions of dollars, with coal accounting for nearly 60% of energy externalities. The research highlights the market failure of the world's energy systems, suggesting that factoring in these costs could make fossil fuelled power stations economically unviable.
New research at the University of Birmingham and Utrecht University found that prisons with more green space have lower levels of violence and self-harm. The study's findings demonstrate that incorporating nature contact into prison environments can improve wellbeing and reduce costs.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery reveals that post-operative delirium has substantial public health implications, resulting in higher healthcare costs for older adults. If delirium were prevented or made less severe, it could reduce healthcare costs by $33 billion per year.
A recent study estimates that delirium in older adults one year after major elective surgery results in significant healthcare costs. The study analyzed Medicare claims and clinical data to determine the financial impact of delirium on patients, providing valuable insights for clinicians and policymakers.
A new study found that diabetes patients who used mobile health apps had better health outcomes, including reduced blood glucose levels and increased exercise. The app also helped regulate health behavior and reduce hospital visits and medical expenses.
A new study analyzes out-of-pocket costs for influenza-related hospitalizations to estimate potential COVID-19 hospital bills. Americans over 65 hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2021 may owe an average of nearly $1,000 after discharge due to co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance.
Researchers from Duke University found that mental health struggles in early life can lead to premature aging and advanced diseases in adulthood. Investing in prompt mental health care could prevent later diseases and lower societal healthcare costs.
A study of 36,590 patients found that many fractures are potentially preventable by identifying those at greatest risk and initiating proven interventions. By improving the use of existing databases, billions of euro in healthcare costs could be saved annually by 2040.
A new survey from West Health and Gallup finds Americans skeptical that healthcare costs will fall, with only 8% thinking they're headed in the right direction. The top issues Americans want the government to focus on are lowering insurance premiums and cutting drug prices.
A new machine learning algorithm named Mirai estimates breast cancer risk in women more accurately than current models, identifying 41.5% of patients at risk within 5 years. The model was effective across various races and ethnicities, supporting its potential to inform screening guidelines for diverse populations.
This study validates the significance of two critical thresholds in pancreatitis, one for damage to acinar cells and another for clinical symptoms. It highlights the importance of cost transparency, preoperative informed financial consent, and price regulation to reduce financial hardship faced by patients and their families.
Researchers designed an open-faced helmet with air filtration to contain cough droplets, minimizing disease transmission. The design reduced the risk of infection by 99.6% within 0.1 seconds.
A retrospective cohort study of 251 primary care physicians found significant variation in medical practice patterns across different doctors, but relatively stable patterns within an individual's practice over time. Researchers propose that personal behavioral characteristics may explain these variations.
A new study from the University of East Anglia estimates that breast cancer chemotherapy in the UK results in over £248 million in annual costs. These costs include lost productivity and personal expenses such as wigs and medication. Better targeting of treatment could help reduce these unnecessary costs.
A national survey of 4,000 adults found that fewer than 10% have ever discussed firearm safety with a clinician, highlighting the need for improvement in clinical settings. The study also found that when conversations occurred, the most common advice given was to lock all household firearms.
Kaiser Permanente has found that patients are more receptive to using mental health and wellness apps when referred by a clinician. Digital therapeutics such as mental health apps can offer significant help for patients with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep.
Researchers estimate sub-optimal behaviors cost the US healthcare system over $1.3 trillion annually, with a focus on eliminating 'defects' in value. The study proposes a framework to reduce costs and improve care value proposition through targeted interventions.
A FAIR Health initiative found that cost information enhances the value of shared decision making in palliative care scenarios, empowering patients to make critical healthcare decisions. The program's success highlights the utility of cost data in guiding informed discussions with clinicians.
A new study analyzed medical claims data from Taiwan, finding that patients with rheumatoid arthritis live longer after disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs called biologics became available in 2003. The estimated lifetime cost was $72,953, highlighting the need for cost-effectiveness evaluation.
A recent analysis found that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) may reduce the cost of medical care for patients undergoing dialysis. The study discovered modest cost savings for Medicare beneficiaries in ACOs, especially those who received regular primary care physician visits.
A new study from 23 Utah-based researchers estimates that air pollution shortens the average Utahn's life by 2 years and costs the economy around $1.9 billion annually. The study also found that many state-level actions could reduce air pollution by double-digit percentages while benefiting the economy.
A new study suggests that eliminating out-of-pocket costs for contraception is linked to more consistent contraceptive use and lower birth rates across all income groups. The most significant decline was observed among people from the lowest income group, experiencing a 22% drop in births.
A Boston University School of Medicine study reveals a widening gap between high deductible health plan (HDHP) enrollment and the availability of health savings accounts (HSAs), exacerbating health inequities among Black, Hispanic, and lower-income populations.
A new study published in BMC Medicine reveals that informal carers provide more than half of total care costs in the UK, Ireland, and US during the last three months of life. The research emphasizes the need for improved integration and support for community palliative care services to enhance care quality and reduce burden on caregivers.
A new study by Penn State researcher David Vanness found a cost-effectiveness threshold of $104,000 per QALY for health treatments. Beyond this point, the treatment may not be beneficial for population health due to increased costs and decreased quality-adjusted life-years.
A new research effort led by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture seeks to enhance communication between healthcare providers and rural patients, enabling them to discuss costs and treatment options. The project aims to improve health outcomes for those living in poverty or with limited financial resources.
A study by researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that nearly 1 in 8 commercially insured patients received surprise bills for out-of-network expenses after undergoing elective colonoscopies. The team recommends partnering with in-network anesthesia and pathology providers to prevent these unexpected costs.
The Affordable Care Act is facing an uncertain future due to the national election and a pending Supreme Court case. A panel of national experts will discuss the law's origins, impacts, and potential future at a free online event on Oct. 15.
A study of US hospitals found that children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience longer hospital stays and incur higher healthcare expenses due to the complexity of their medical needs. Further investigation is needed to understand the healthcare needs of this population.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that several widely available interventions are associated with reduced medical costs and a lower likelihood of emergency room visits or hospitalizations for children with asthma. The interventions include asthma self-management education, flu vaccine, spacer use, and nebulizer use.
A new study predicts that investing $9.6 billion in personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers in low- and middle-income countries could save the lives of approximately 2.2 million healthcare workers and yield a substantial economic return of $755.3 billion, representing an 8,000% return on investment.
A new survey by West Health-Gallup finds that 52% of Americans trust Joe Biden to lead the US healthcare system, while 39% trust Donald Trump. Managing the pandemic and reducing healthcare costs are equally important to Americans in determining their vote for president.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have received a grant to help pharmacies implement community health worker programs. These programs aim to improve patient access to critical services while lowering healthcare costs. By providing outreach, education, and support, community health workers can address complex patients with multip...
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that modifiable health risks, such as obesity and high blood pressure, account for 27% of US personal health care expenses. These costs are largely driven by five risk factors: overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, poor diet, and smoking.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act reduced burdensome out-of-pocket healthcare costs for low- and middle-income families with children, from 35.6% to 23.7% and 24.6% to 17.3%, respectively. Despite this improvement, these families still face significant financial burdens.
A nationwide study led by OHSU finds that the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model improves health outcomes for Black patients, with reduced spending and hospital readmissions. Hispanic patients showed mixed results, but overall disparities persisted despite improvements in post-acute care use.
A study published in Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma found that Medicare reimbursement for common orthopedic trauma procedures has decreased by 30% over the past two decades. This decline is largely due to inflation adjustments, with costs increasing by 52.8% but average reimbursement rising only 4.9%.
A recent study by RAND Corporation found that private health insurers paid hospitals an average of 247% of what Medicare would pay, highlighting a significant disparity in hospital pricing across the US. The analysis covered over half of the nation's community hospitals and revealed wide variations in prices among states.
A review of personal protective respirator mask use reveals that initial fit-pass rates are lower among females and Asians compared to males and Caucasians. Correct respirator fit appears more important than filtration capacity for airborne protection. Fit-testing is recommended, with annual testing suggested due to its cost-effectiven...
Researchers estimate that diagnosing and treating high-risk cardiovascular conditions in England could prevent 3.4 million cases of heart disease and stroke, saving £68 billion over 25 years. Identifying undiagnosed diabetes would yield the greatest benefits, while following NICE guidelines would further increase health outcomes.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that switching from brand-name to generic cholesterol medications between 2014 and 2018 saved Medicare billions of dollars. The total costs on these drugs went down despite an increase in prescriptions for LDL-lowering drugs, with the number of generic prescriptions rising by 35%.
A modelling study estimates that the COVID-19 response in low- and middle-income countries costs around $52 billion over four weeks, with increased transmission scenarios leading to higher costs. The study highlights the importance of investing in pandemic preparedness to reduce virus transmission and contain costs.
A new scoring system is proposed to diagnose COVID-19, taking into account epidemiological evidence, clinical symptoms, and investigations. This simple system can be calculated in minutes and helps classify suspected patients for further evaluation or isolation.
A food-based approach using clinically-proven diet interventions can significantly lower cholesterol levels and reduce healthcare costs. The study found that successfully managing hyperlipidemia with Step One Foods could lead to billions of medical savings annually for the entire Medicare privately insured population.
A new study reveals that half of those who have opened a health savings account haven't put money into it in the past year. Those with lower levels of education and health insurance literacy are less likely to open or contribute to an HSA.
A RAND Corporation study found that telemedicine services can extend care for underserved populations, particularly in rural areas. The study examined the experiences of nine community health centers in California and found a significant increase in telemedicine volume over time.
A new study found that access to the food stamp program lowers repeat physician visits by over 14% due to improved immune response. This reduction in healthcare utilization results in significant savings for individuals and the federal government, with estimates suggesting $9 per person in cost savings.
A new patient-focused intervention, DISCO App, has been developed to improve patient-provider treatment cost discussions and related patient outcomes. The five-year grant-funded study will evaluate the effectiveness of the app in reducing financial toxicity among cancer patients.