Research on the cost of health care and how to control it. Covers cardiovascular care in Latin America, emergency-visit costs, insulin pricing, and screening gaps.
A study led by Duke University researchers found that nearly 2.7 million people in the US lost employer-based health insurance during the spring and summer of 2020, but gained coverage through government programs like Medicaid. The study suggests that recent policy changes created a safety net to support those affected by job loss.
A new poll suggests that older adults are not using tax-advantaged savings accounts to save for future health expenses, with those who do more likely to have high incomes and education levels. The findings highlight the need for better understanding and support for low-income and vulnerable populations.
A new study found that non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American adults are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at an average age of 46-47 years old, four to seven years earlier than non-Hispanic white adults. Preventive measures such as nutrition counseling and physical-activity programs can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
Researchers developed GripAble to improve arm function in stroke survivors with severe arm weakness. The device enables users to play arm-training games and track progress, achieving an average of 104 upper limb repetitions per day.
A study developed by HSS experts shows improved patient outcomes, including reduced hospital stays and readmissions, after implementing an optimized recovery pathway for complex spine surgeries. The new approach also lowered complication rates and enabled patients to recover faster at home.
A low-cost prototype breathing device designed for poorer-resourced healthcare settings has shown promising results in a pilot trial involving healthy volunteers. The device provides continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and operates with oxygen concentrators, which are commonly used in low-pressure systems.
The Telehealth Service Implementation Model (TSIM) offers a comprehensive approach to developing and sustaining successful telehealth programs. TSIM addresses key challenges such as provider and patient engagement, technical, financial, regulatory, and administrative burdens.
A survey study found significant racial and ethnic differences in self-reported measures of health status, healthcare access, and affordability. The study analyzed data from 20 years, revealing persistent disparities across various racial and ethnic groups.
Prices paid to in and out-of-network anesthesiologists decreased after surprise billing legislation was introduced, with California and Florida seeing significant drops. In-network prices also decreased in these states, suggesting a direct impact on provider-payer negotiating dynamics.
More than 100 resolutions have been passed naming racism a public health crisis, with less than 1 in 5 explicitly mentioning funding for initiatives. The surge is linked to greater national attention brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements.
A UK team developed a portable ventilator to treat COVID-19 patients in developing countries. The Field Ventilator can be used beyond COVID-19 to treat various respiratory diseases and patients needing respiratory support.
A new study found that only 7% of patients who switched from Truvada to Descovy had a documented clinical reason for doing so, highlighting the need for cost-effective PrEP options. The significant price difference between the two medications may be a major barrier to broad and equitable PrEP use in the US.
A review by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that QI studies in Ireland enhanced multiple elements of healthcare quality, including effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness, and safety. The studies primarily focused on improving patient care and hospital operations.
A new study by AKASA finds that its Read, Attend and Code machine learning model exceeds the performance of current state-of-the-art models for automatic coding of inpatient clinical notes. The technology surpasses human coders in terms of both efficiency and accuracy.
The study found that democratic countries increased government health spending by $275 per person between 1990 and 2019, while autocratic countries saw only a $115 increase. Democracies are also more likely to maintain universal health coverage even during economic recessions.
A Harvard study found that 20% of diabetes patients with high-deductible health plans reported skipping medications due to cost, compared to 16% in traditional plans. Patients with insulin reliance were 31% more likely to miss medication.
A new study found that patients with employer-sponsored insurance were billed up to $219 million in total for preventive services that should be free. The study revealed that OOP charges varied widely depending on the type of service and geographic location, with rural areas more likely to be billed.
A new MIT study estimates that disposable N95 masks generate up to 84 million kilograms of waste during the first six months of a pandemic, equivalent to 252 Boeing 747 airplanes. Reusable silicone masks could reduce this waste by 80-90%.
A study in Beijing, China from 2016-2018 found a significant decrease in the quantity of diabetes medications used, with an 18.39% reduction in estimated annual medication costs. The decrease is attributed to rational use of medications and reduced usage of insulin.
Research found that patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) had twice as long hospital stays and double the total health care costs compared to those receiving standard care. Delivering ECT in outpatient settings may make treatment more cost-effective.
A new study found that establishing safe nurse staffing standards in hospitals in Chile could significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The research revealed that private hospitals had better nurse-to-patient ratios than public hospitals, resulting in lower avoidable deaths and hospital readmissions.
A survey of 1,590 Australian IVF patients found that 82% have used fertility add-ons despite limited evidence supporting their effectiveness. The most commonly used add-ons were acupuncture and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, with significant costs associated with these treatments.
A study by Stanford University found that pediatric firearm injuries in the US result in a median cost of $12,984 per patient under 18 years old. The authors analyzed data from the national Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database to identify factors contributing to variation in hospital costs.
The national tender system in Norway has significantly reduced the cost of biologic and targeted drugs for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Over a 10-year period, the average annual costs were lowered by approximately 50%, with current users experiencing a 50% reduction and new patients seeing a 75% decrease.
A study found that drug rebates are associated with increased out-of-pocket costs for patients, particularly those without insurance. On average, patients with commercial insurance paid $6 more, Medicare patients $13, and the uninsured $39 due to rebates.
A recent study has revealed a wide range of cost variations and transparency levels in the treatment of thyroid cancer. The research, conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital, found that only half of the cancer centers studied reported payer-negotiated prices for services, with some costs varying by up to 70-fold across institutions.
A majority of Americans, including Democrats and Republicans, favor empowering the federal government to negotiate lower prescription drug prices under Medicare. The survey found that only a minority believe this would harm innovation or competition from the pharmaceutical industry, with 39% of Republicans among them.
Experts recommend making COVID-19 jabs free in India to boost uptake and curb the death toll from the infection. The country is facing a critical shortage of hospital beds, ICU beds, medicines, ventilators, oxygen, and healthcare staff due to high infections.
A new study estimates global economic burden of P. vivax malaria, finding that widespread access to radical cure could reduce costs substantially and achieve elimination of the disease.
A new analysis by the West Health Policy Center estimates that the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) could result in hundreds of billions of dollars in lower commercial health insurance costs by 2030, primarily due to a $195 billion reduction in employer costs and $98 billion in savings for workers.
A group of researchers from 14 countries is urging a universal recognition of the need to control airborne pathogens in buildings. The experts recommend improved ventilation systems, including higher airflow rates, filtration, and disinfection, as well as real-time monitors to track indoor air quality.
A group of scientists recommends introducing new mechanisms to keep pathogen levels in building air flow low, citing the need for a paradigm shift in building design and operation. This approach can also reduce exposure to other air pollutants and improve wellbeing.
According to a new study by Mass Eye and Ear, sleep disorders are associated with significantly higher health care utilization rates, resulting in an estimated $94.9 billion in annual costs. Patients with conditions like sleep apnea account for 60% more healthcare expenses, with nearly double the number of doctor visits and prescriptions.
A new survey found that one in six US adults (16%) are staying in jobs they might otherwise leave out of fear of losing their employer-sponsored health insurance. Black workers are 50% more likely to stay in an unwanted job than their White and Hispanic counterparts.
A new study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that vaccinating half the US population by summer can prevent 5.8 million cases and $7.8 billion in societal costs. Increasing vaccination coverage to 70% can save even more lives and reduce medical costs.
A new study published in Medical Care Research and Review found that Medicaid expansion provided a financial boost to hospitals, with uncompensated care costs declining by 28% in states that expanded Medicaid relative to 2013 levels. The study analyzed critical data at state and national levels using IRS and CMS data sources.
A new study of short-term acute care hospitals acquired by private equity firms found that they have higher markups and profit margins, but slower staffing growth. Hospitals acquired by private equity firms had operating margins 5.6 percentage points higher than non-private hospitals at the start of the period.
Veterans who received temporary financial assistance for housing had fewer hospital visits and an average reduction in health care costs of $2,800 over two years compared to those who did not receive the benefit. This model could help better serve homeless Americans, including non-veterans.
A UCLA-led study reveals that seven preventive medical services have no likely health benefit to patients and may even be harmful. These services, including asymptomatic bacteriuria screening and prostate cancer screening, are ordered over 31 million times annually at a cost of nearly $500 million per year.
A new study found that Aboriginal families with children suffering severe burns often struggle to pay healthcare costs and travel expenses, exacerbating existing economic hardship. The research also highlighted the importance of family networks in mitigating financial burdens, but called for improved access to government initiatives ai...
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.
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.
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 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.