Views of rural US adults on serious health, economic issues in their communities
A 2018-2019 survey of rural US adults highlighted health care costs and access as major concerns. The study also found a growing addiction to opioids in the region.
Health Care Costs
Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
ACP issues guideline for testosterone treatment in adult men with age-related low testosterone
The American College of Physicians recommends treating testosterone deficiency for only sexual dysfunction, discontinuing treatment if symptoms don't improve, and avoiding other reasons for treatment. Testosterone treatment should not be initiated to boost energy or cognitive function due to lack of evidence.
Health care paperwork cost US $812 billion in 2017, 4 times more per capita than Canada
A study finds that US healthcare bureaucracy cost $812 billion in 2017, accounting for 34.2% of total health spending. Cutting administrative costs to Canadian levels could have saved over $600 billion.
Having a baby may cost some families $4,500 out-of-pocket
A new study found that out-of-pocket health care spending for maternity care increased significantly between 2008 and 2015, with 98% of women paying some costs. The Affordable Care Act requires full coverage of preventive services but leaves room for plans to impose co-pays, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
Extending Medicare Part D rebates to beneficiaries would save seniors $29 billion over 7 years
A new analysis by the West Health Policy Center finds that extending Medicare Part D rebates to beneficiaries could result in $29 billion in savings over 7 years. This would be achieved through rebate dollars being used to lower beneficiaries' cost-sharing at pharmacy counters, rather than reducing manufacturers' liability.
Mowing urban lawns less intensely increases biodiversity, saves money and reduces pests
A meta-analysis of North American and European studies found that less intense lawn mowing leads to increased pollinators, plant diversity, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, intense mowing favors pest species, weeds, and drought events. Long grass also reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
Suboptimal diet and cardiometabolic disease healthcare costs in the US
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that approximately $50.4 billion of the annual healthcare cost of cardiometabolic disease in the US population is associated with suboptimal diet. The highest costs are linked to low consumption of foods like nuts, seeds, and seafood-derived omega-3 fats.
New health insurance insights
A new study analyzes the value of Medicaid for low-income adults in Oregon, finding they value it at a fraction of their medical costs. The study suggests that Medicaid effectively acts as a subsidy for healthcare providers and state programs covering uninsured patients.
New estimates of neonatal abstinence syndrome, associated costs
A new study provides national estimates of neonatal abstinence syndrome and its associated healthcare costs, shedding light on the impact of opioid exposure during pregnancy. The findings highlight the need for increased support and resources for affected families.
Home hospital reduces costs, improves care
The home hospital model, where patients receive hospital-level care at home, has been shown to lower costs and improve care. The randomized controlled trial found that home hospital patients had 38% lower total direct costs, fewer lab orders, and lower readmission rates.
Houston Methodist developed AI app to predict risk and prevent severe patient falls
A new machine learning app developed by Houston Methodist aims to prevent severe fall-related injuries and death in patients. The AI technology uses clinical parameters and demographics to predict risk and triggers tailored interventions.
Out-of-network costs soar for non-emergency hospitalizations
Researchers found that out-of-network, non-emergency hospital costs rose rapidly from 2012 to 2017, affecting 16% of individuals with an average cost of $621. Average costs for emergency and non-emergency care increased significantly.
Infant morbidity decreases with incentive-based prenatal tobacco interventions
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that incentive-based smoking cessation programs can significantly reduce infant morbidity and mortality. The Baby & Me Tobacco Free program provided financial incentives to pregnant women, resulting in a 24-28% reduction in preterm birth and neonatal ICU admiss...
Air pollution linked to several new causes of hospital admissions
A US study found short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with several newly identified causes of hospital admissions, including sepsis and kidney failure. The researchers suggest the World Health Organization air quality guidelines need revising.
Patient's place of residence matters when choosing cost-effective anticoagulation therapy
A Finnish study uses GIS data to compare the costs of warfarin and direct oral anticoagulant therapies, finding that DOACs are more cost-effective for patients living far from INR sample collection points or requiring frequent monitoring. The researchers developed a geospatial model to determine market areas and costs for each therapy.
Opening Medicare to Americans aged 50 to 64 would cut their insurance costs
A RAND Corporation study finds that allowing people aged 50-64 to buy into Medicare would lower health care premiums for this group. However, it would drive up costs for younger Americans who buy health insurance on exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act. The estimated premium to buy into Medicare would be around $10,000 per y...
Treatments for leading cause of blindness generate $0.9 to $3 billion
A new economic study by USC researchers suggests that breakthrough treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) offer significant patient benefits and societal value. The treatments generate $5.1 to $8.2 billion in patient benefits, translating to $0.9 to $3.0 billion in societal value over three years.
Perspectives and suggestions in caring for high-need, complex patients
Researchers studied ambulatory care teams caring for socially complex patients in an A-ICU setting, finding that team cohesion and flexibility are key to successful care. Participants prioritized improving patient engagement over reducing utilization or cost.
Drug discount cards could actually cost patients more
New research finds that brand-name drug discount cards lead to higher health care spending in Canada, with private insurer costs increasing by 46 per cent. However, for some patients, using a discount card can result in increased out-of-pocket costs, potentially up to $10 more.
Drug discount cards could actually cost patients more
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that brand-name drug discount cards lead to higher health care spending in Canada, increasing private insurer costs by 46% and public insurer costs by 1.3%. Despite offering some savings, these cards financially disadvantage patients who fill prescriptions with them.
The cost of waiting in emergency departments
A new study published in Economic Inquiry reveals that prolonging emergency department wait times increases hospital costs, with moderate and severe cases bearing the brunt of the expenses. The study found a 3-6% cost increase for moderately severe cases and 6% for serious cases.
Teens who visit the emergency department for self-harm at increased risk of suicide, repeated self harm
A recent study found that teens who visit emergency departments for self-harm are five times more likely to have repeat visits and three times more likely to die from any cause compared to non-self-harming youth. The study also reveals that these adolescents incur significantly higher health costs over the following five years.
University of Utah economists tally societal cost of preterm birth
The total cost of preterm birth in the US was estimated to be $25.2 billion in 2016, with an average cost of $64,815 per birth. Preterm births are a leading cause of infant mortality and maternal health issues, with over 22,000 babies dying before their first birthday annually.
Quality over quantity! Interval walking training improves fitness and health in elderly individuals
A study by Dr. Shizue Masuki found that Interval Walking Training (IWT) improves aerobic capacity and reduces lifestyle-related disease in elderly individuals. IWT involves walking at 70% of maximum capacity for 3 minutes, then at 40% for the next 3 minutes, repeated for 5 or more sets.
Bariatric surgery may not lead to lower health care costs
A Veterans Affairs study found that bariatric surgery did not result in lower healthcare costs for nearly 10,000 veterans over a 10-year period. Despite the benefits of weight loss and improved health, patients required additional treatment for short-term complications, such as nausea and dehydration, which increased costs.
Surgeons report that 12-hour shifts improve patient outcomes, lower costs
A study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center found that shortening surgeon shifts from 24 hours to 12 hours resulted in shorter hospital stays and lower overall costs for patients with acute appendicitis. This change also led to faster patient access to the operating room and reduced infection rates.
BU medical student awarded AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship
Simone Vais, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded the AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship. The $10,000 award will assist in covering her medical education expenses as she applies for residency in family medicine and focuses on improving healthcare access for underserved p...
Widely used health algorithm found to be racially biased; remedying in progress
A widely used healthcare algorithm was found to show significant racial bias in predicting health risks of black patients. The algorithm underestimates the health needs of black patients and overestimates their health, leading to reduced care allocation.
When a freestanding emergency department comes to town, costs go up
A new study by Rice University experts found that freestanding emergency departments increased average emergency department spending by 3.6% per insured beneficiary in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. In contrast, entry of a freestanding emergency department resulted in higher out-of-pocket payments for emergency care in three states.
WVU researchers tackle rising health care costs with artificial intelligence
Researchers at WVU are using artificial intelligence to develop more efficient and accurate diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases, potentially leading to cost savings and improved patient outcomes. The four-year project aims to address research challenges associated with AI in healthcare, including data analysis efficiency and privacy m...
Study assesses cost of overpayments for topical prescription medications
The study found that clawbacks occur frequently in the market for topical prescription drugs, resulting in significant financial losses for patients. Insurers pay less than the patient's copayment, leading to overpayments of up to $1000 per year.
25% of total US health care spending estimated to be waste
A new study estimates that about one-quarter of total US health care spending is waste, ranging from $76 billion to $94 billion. The authors found that the estimated annual cost of waste was $265.6 billion, with potential savings ranging from $191 billion to $282 billion
Some ICU admissions may be preventable, saving money and improving care
New research suggests that many ICU admissions can be prevented with timely outpatient care for chronic conditions like high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes. Investing in preventive services could be a complementary strategy to increasing critical care workforce as the US population ages.
Study shows reduced Illinois Medicaid spending in pediatric population, limited savings from care coordination
Researchers found decreased utilization among patients enrolled in a comprehensive care coordination model for Medicaid-covered children and young adults with chronic health conditions. Despite this, the mean cost of care remained nearly identical between groups, limiting savings from care coordination.
Benefits of universal flu vaccine
Replacing seasonal vaccines with universal ones could avert over 17 million cases and 251,000 hospitalizations per year. States with high hospitalization costs and elderly populations would experience the greatest economic benefits.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2019
Open Medicare data helps uncover potential hidden costs of health care
An interdisciplinary team of Indiana University scientists found a link between healthcare industry payments to medical providers and their billed medical costs, with a 10% increase in industry payments associated with 1.3% higher medical costs and 1.8% higher drug costs.
Poor diabetes control costs the NHS in England £3 billion a year in potentially avoidable hospital treatment
A new study reveals that poor diabetes control leads to significant excess hospital costs, with people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes experiencing five-fold to eight-fold higher costs for elective and emergency care. The NHS in England spends £3 billion annually on avoidable hospital treatment related to diabetes.
Addressing serious illness with a serious question to clinicians
A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that emergency clinicians can use the 'surprise' question to identify patients at greatest risk of near-term death, prompting essential end-of-life conversations. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between clinician responses and patient mortality, with those who answered they wou...
Study shows cost savings from same-day long-acting reversible contraception
A new study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers found that providing adolescents with same-day access to long-acting reversible contraception can lead to significant cost savings for insurance providers. The study also found a decrease in unintended pregnancies and abortions associated with same-day placement.
Only a fraction of the costs of excessive drinking are paid for by alcohol taxes
New research reveals that only 21 cents per drink in taxes cover alcohol-related costs, with the majority falling on non-drinkers and moderate drinkers. The study suggests increasing prices through higher taxes could reduce excessive consumption and related harms.
SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateSep 11, 2019
When physicians integrate with hospitals, costs go up, Rice study says
A study by Rice University found that when physicians integrate with hospitals, costs rise, even if care quality doesn't improve. The researchers analyzed insurance claims and found patients treated by doctors in hospital-owned practices incur higher spending on services such as X-rays and MRIs.
Bigger spend, same end: Post-hospital care study suggests ways to save Medicare money
A new study reveals traditional Medicare spends significantly more on post-hospital care for people in their 60s than private insurance, despite similar clinical outcomes. The additional spending could be reduced by changing the payment structure to bring it closer to that used by private insurance.
Probiotic use can lead to major economic and health savings related to flu-like illnesses
A study found that general probiotic use could save the US healthcare system $1.4 billion annually by reducing acute respiratory tract infections, including influenza-like illnesses. Probiotics were associated with a decrease in doctor visits and sick absences, leading to significant cost savings.
Will disposable colonoscopy devices replace reusables?
The study found that disposable devices might lead to lower rates of post-colonoscopy infection, but institutions with thousands of procedures per year could better benefit from improved disinfection methods. High-volume centers tend to have lower infection risks due to increased experience and faster turnover of colonoscopes.
Hospital harms total $1 billion for health care system in Ontario in fiscal year 2015/16
A new study estimates that hospital harm in Ontario cost the healthcare system over $1 billion in 2015/16, with patients experiencing a significant increase in length of stay and subsequent health costs. The study found that the most common harm was medication-associated conditions, with costs ranging from $800 to $51,067.
Restructuring Medicare Shared Savings Program can yield 40% savings in health costs
A new research study suggests that redesigning the contract for the Medicare Shared Savings Program could lead to significant cost savings. The proposed changes aim to align provider incentives with performance-based subsidies, increasing reimbursement payments and improving healthcare outcomes.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateAug 8, 2019
Canada's new dementia strategy needs commitment to be successful
The 5-year $50-million strategy aims to overcome challenges with measures like research funding and ageism stigma reduction. Canada needs to learn from provinces and other countries to ensure the strategy's success.
Hospital-acquired C. diff associated with substantial costs
A population-based study in Alberta, Canada, found that hospital-acquired C. diff is associated with significant attributable cost and length of stay among adult inpatients. The analysis used micro-costing data and a propensity score-based design to determine the economic burden of HA-CDI.
SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 24, 2019
Around one in 20 patients are affected by preventable harm
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that around 6% of patients are affected by preventable harm, which accounts for significant financial costs and can lead to permanent disability or death. The study highlights the need for strategies targeting preventable patient harm to improve medical care and reduce healthcare costs.
Massive potential health gains in switching to active transport -- Otago study
A recent study found that incorporating physical activity into daily life through walking and cycling can significantly improve population health. The research estimates health gains ranging from 1.61 to 25.43 QALYs per 1000 people, with healthcare cost savings up to $2.1 billion over the remaining lifespan.
Study finds ACOs need a balance of PCPs and specialists to best reduce health care costs
Researchers found that ACOs with a balance of primary care providers and specialists had lower annual spending per beneficiary. The study suggests policymakers consider adding medical specialists to ACO governance and creating better financial incentives for specialists.
Geisel study finds downside risk contracts still less common for ACOs
A new study found that while the number and variety of ACO contracts have increased, downside risk contracts remain relatively rare. Researchers analyzed data from 2012 to 2018 and found that only a third of ACOs chose contracts with downside risk in 2018.
Medically unnecessary ambulance rides soar after ACA expansion
Researchers found a significant jump in medically unnecessary ambulance rides for minor injuries like abrasions and muscle sprains after the ACA expansion. In New York City, these dispatches increased by 37%, equivalent to 2,868 additional rides per year.
Every penny counts: Reducing infections improves care, cuts costs
A healthcare system implemented chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing to reduce infections, achieving a 65% reduction in CLABSI, 30% reduction in CAUTI, and 100% reduction in MRSA. Estimated total cost savings were $515,000 between April 2017 and March 2018.
SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 25, 2019
Nutrition is the missing ingredient in home health today, new study shows
A new study found that prioritizing nutrition care for home health patients at risk for malnutrition can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization by 24% and healthcare costs by over $2.3 million per patient.
Reforming pharmacy benefit manager practices may lead to drug cost savings
Researchers found that Ohio Medicaid's switch to managed care saved $145 million annually due to lower prescription claims prices. The study highlights the need for policy changes to address opaque pricing practices and anti-competitive tactics used by pharmacy benefit managers.
Do policies targeting sugary drinks pay off?
A study estimates that a national SSB tax could prevent around 17,000 new obesity-associated cancer cases and save $2.4 billion in lifetime medical costs. Health warnings on SSBs can also reduce purchases and consumption, with potential to reduce average body mass index by about 0.6 kg/m2 over 5 years.
Costs of care similar or lower at teaching hospitals compared to non-teaching hospitals
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that teaching hospitals have similar costs to non-teaching hospitals for common medical conditions, with lower costs for follow-up care and readmissions. The findings suggest a reevaluation of the relationship between teaching hospital costs and patient outcomes.
Should STEMI patients recover in the ICU?
A new Michigan Medicine research found that intensive care unit admission was associated with improved 30-day mortality rates for patients who had a STEMI heart attack and weren't clearly indicated for an ICU or non-ICU unit. The study analyzed Medicare data from over 100,000 patients hospitalized with STEMI and showed a clear benefit ...
NHS commissioners are ignoring guidelines by rationing cataract surgery
Despite NICE guidelines stating cataract surgery is cost-effective, NHS commissioners are restricting access to the procedure. Over 2,900 prior approval requests for cataract surgery were rejected in 2022, more than double the number two years ago.