Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A recent study by researchers at ICES and Sunnybrook Research Institute found that adults diagnosed with concussions are 50% more likely to be involved in a serious traffic crash. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing road safety after a concussion, including avoiding high-speed trips during late-night hours.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) endorses a federal policy that sets a maximum nicotine product standard, limiting nicotine levels in combustible cigarettes and related tobacco products to 0.7 mg/g. This reduction aims to make cigarettes minimally or non-addictive, striking at the chemical that keeps people hooked. E...
Two new studies found that 75% of adults prefer non-colonoscopy screening options like stool tests, while physicians prefer colonoscopy. Additionally, follow-up colonoscopies rose 41% after a policy change eliminated patient cost sharing for abnormal home-based stool tests.
Provincial partnerships with corporate-provided virtual care programs raise concerns about access, quality of care, and data privacy. Governments must ensure healthcare standards are met, protect patient data, and maintain transparency around contracts and profits. The authors advise caution before introducing corporate entities in the...
A study of almost 10 million patients in Ontario found that those living over 30 km from their family physician were more likely to visit the emergency department for nonurgent reasons and had fewer visits with a family physician. The distance also negatively impacted preventive screening for certain cancers.
The journal is launching a new section to popularize evidence-based strategic planning in digital health and provide comprehensive guidelines for its application. Papers can explore topics such as strategic planning frameworks, case studies of successful implementations, and stakeholder engagement.
A University of East Anglia study found that treating patients at home with IV antibiotics can save the NHS over £3,500 per patient and potentially free-up vital hospital beds. The treatment involves having antibiotics prepared at home and continuously delivered into the bloodstream by an elastomeric pump.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that specially qualified nurses with extended roles can measurably improve the care of people with dementia living at home. The approach reduced unmet needs more effectively than standard care and improved the quality of life for affected individuals.
Inpatient care offers a range of supports, from reducing drug use to abstinence, but access is challenging due to long wait-lists. The RE-AIM framework helps evaluate the effectiveness of bed-based care and its capacity to meet population needs.
Research on 1,000 older Japanese adults found that declining hand function significantly increases the risk of requiring long-term care. Hand function below a certain threshold was associated with an increased risk, highlighting its importance for daily activities and overall health.
Ochsner Accountable Care Network (OACN) has saved $44.8 million in 2024 while improving care for nearly 60,000 patients. The network ranked No. 3 out of 476 ACOs nationwide for care coordination and placed in the top 11% for overall quality.
JMIR Publications invites submissions on navigating AI-enabled uncertainty in healthcare management, with a focus on practical guidance for senior management and administrators. The theme issue explores topics such as AI-enabled reimbursement, cloud migration, and vendor dynamics.
Physician Organization of Michigan ACO (POM ACO) has achieved significant savings for Medicare by reducing unnecessary spending and focusing on preventive care. The organization's efforts saved Medicare nearly $35 million in 2024, with members sharing in the $17 million incentive.
A new RNA-based therapy targeting Marfan syndrome shows promise in treating the genetic disorder, which can lead to aortic aneurysms and be fatal. The therapy, developed by Mizzou researcher Dunpeng Cai, aims to correct mutated RNA for those with Marfan syndrome.
The UK food system is under pressure due to climate change, global shocks, and poor diets. A new report calls for radical transformation in three key areas: more resilient farming, smarter land use, and healthier diets.
A cohort study found that 40% of GLP-1RA orders were not filled, with lower rates among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients. These disparities may be attributed to differences in insurance coverage, GLP-1RA use, or cost thresholds.
Researchers found that over 30% of children referred for Alport syndrome testing at age 3 already required therapeutic intervention, highlighting the potential benefits of early detection. The study suggests introducing a urine testing system may enable intervention before kidney dysfunction onset.
A new study shows that a multi-step effort to reduce unneeded pre-operative testing, using a tailored program for each hospital, can lead to significant reductions in wasteful tests. The findings have already spurred an expansion of the program to 16 more Michigan hospitals.
The 340B program has grown into the nation's second-largest drug purchasing program, with significant revenue generated from spread pricing, which disproportionately benefits providers with more commercially insured patients. Eliminating this distorted incentive is essential to ensuring safety-net providers receive benefits.
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities account for more than one in five patients who have been in Ontario's mental health beds for over a year. Enhancing specialized supports both in hospital and community settings can reduce their length of stay and admission rates.
Researchers have quantified the costs of e-scooter injuries for the first time in Ireland, revealing an average cost of €1,726 per patient. The study found that e-scooter injuries mainly resulted in musculoskeletal injuries requiring major surgery, resulting in significant financial burdens on healthcare services.
A new study finds that gun injuries result in an estimated $7.7 billion in hospital costs for the US healthcare system between 2016 and 2021. The majority of these costs, 52%, were billed to Medicaid, highlighting the financial burden on safety-net hospitals serving vulnerable populations.
Prior authorization for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) became near universal, leading to substantial out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket costs for GLP-1RAs rose significantly from 2020 to 2025, affecting many high-cost drugs.
A cross-sectional study found significant variation in price markup across hospitals, with high-markup hospitals exhibiting poorer outcomes. These findings highlight the need for policy efforts to regulate pricing and improve quality of care in these institutions.
A recent study at UC San Diego Health found that virtual transition of care clinics lower hospital readmissions for high-risk patients by 14.9%. The clinic provides immediate post-hospital care, reducing no-show rates and improving patient outcomes.
Research at UCLA Health Sciences found that high-markup hospitals charge up to 17 times the true cost of care, resulting in poorer patient outcomes, including higher complication and readmission rates. Patients treated at these hospitals often experience financial toxicity or medical bankruptcy.
A portable device using machine learning can detect signs of concussions in real-time, providing a more objective way to assess injuries. The Mizzou Point-of-Care Assessment System combines a force plate, depth camera and interface board to track movement, balance and reaction times.
JMIR Publications has launched a new 'News & Perspectives' section, providing in-depth analysis on the implications of increased political oversight in US research. The section aims to bring rigor and integrity to digital health news, empowering researchers, policymakers, and health professionals to stay ahead of the curve.
A new study from Tufts University found nearly one in three young adults skipped dental visits due to cost and lack of insurance coverage. Young adults were more likely to skip medical care, struggle with copays, and report poor mental health or memory problems.
The University of Bergen's 'Fair Choices on the Path to Universal Health Coverage' project aims to strengthen low- and middle-income countries in handling cuts in development aid. The project will improve priority setting through evidence-informed, context-specific approaches, collaborating with academic institutions and governing bodi...
A recent study analyzing data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys (2016-2023) found that cardiovascular disease risk increased in Mexico between 2016 and 2023. The average 10-year CVD risk was estimated at 9.5% using region-specific tools, highlighting the need for accurate models to predict local disease burden.
The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study presents the most up-to-date data for 204 countries and territories, highlighting trends in cardiovascular disease. The study supports progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3.4, by providing critical health data.
Dr. Alan Sager presents a guide to thorough healthcare reform in the US, citing high costs and inadequate insurance coverage as major issues. He proposes solutions such as containing costs safely, insuring all Americans, and securing adequate pay for doctors and hospitals.
Metabolic bariatric surgery shows promise as a cost-effective weight loss option for class II and III obesity patients. The study found bariatric surgery resulted in greater weight loss compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists.
A new study reveals that population aging is the largest contributor to musculoskeletal disorders globally, accounting for approximately one third of countries and territories. The research highlights the need for targeted public health strategies and healthcare resource allocation to alleviate the burden of these disorders.
As states prepare to implement work requirements for Medicaid expansion, a University of Michigan health care researcher emphasizes the need for key actions to protect enrollees with chronic conditions. Ayanian's guidance includes steps for healthcare providers and organizations to ensure individuals do not lose coverage if they qualify.
Even modest reductions in PrEP coverage result in thousands of avoidable HIV infections. The study estimates billions of dollars in increases in net health care costs due to these reductions.
A new white paper from the USC Schaeffer Center recommends FDA reforms to streamline clinical trials, provide clearer guidance on newer technologies, and improve agency efficiency. This could reduce development time and costs, pushing down prices and improving patient access.
Researchers found a significant association between financial toxicity and worse emotional and physical well-being among cancer patients. Financial toxicity, which includes stress, expense, and instability caused by healthcare costs, can have far-reaching consequences, including psychological distress and lower quality of life.
A new study found that the end of COVID-era federal funding led to a significant increase in uninsured children visiting emergency departments in Texas, with 45.2% more visits than before. The share of commercially insured patients also rose 12.5%, while Medicaid-insured visits declined by 11.7%.
Duke-NUS Medical School is sharpening its focus on population health, driven by the need to address rising healthcare costs and chronic diseases in Singapore. The Health Services Research and Population Health (HSRPH) Programme aims to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions that improve patient outcomes and inform national policies.
A study by the University of Exeter found that loneliness is associated with increased healthcare costs, mental distress, and poor physical and mental functioning. Younger adults and older adults are particularly affected, with a U-shaped relationship between age and cost of loneliness observed.
A study found that loneliness incurs an extra £850 in annual healthcare costs to the NHS, as well as experiencing worse mental and physical health. Loneliness affects health more significantly in younger adulthood and later life.
A global study surveyed 14,000 patients across 43 countries, finding that those in poorer health were more likely to reject AI. Patients preferred explainable AI and wanted clinicians to make final decisions.
A new University of Michigan study found that critically ill patients without health insurance are less likely to receive inter-hospital transfers for treatment, leading to higher mortality rates. Patients with commercial insurance have a significantly lower risk of death compared to those without insurance or with Medicare/Medicaid.
A recent study found that large portions of obesity-related conditions in US adolescents and young adults are attributable to obesity. Treating and preventing obesity may reduce these conditions and associated costs. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing childhood obesity to prevent future health issues.
A cross-sectional study found that Asian, Black, and Hispanic transgender beneficiaries have high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions. These disparities are attributed to the intersection of gender, race, and ethnicity, highlighting the need for targeted support.
A new cross-national study finds that older adults with disabilities are less likely to receive preventive care, but higher government health spending closes the gap. Investing in public healthcare promotes equitable access to preventive services, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new article by Dr. Leonard Berry of Texas A&M University argues that values-driven listening can improve care and heal the healthcare system. The authors identify six types of listening, including proximate, curious, earning trust, aided by design, empowering, and fostering resilience, which contribute to better care.
A new study by Michigan Medicine University of Michigan researchers concludes that broad COVID-19 vaccination in adults saves the US more money than it spends, with significant economic benefits for those over 65 and middle-aged adults. The model focuses on preventing deaths, hospitalizations, and lost productivity.
The book explores innovative computing technologies transforming healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and monitoring. It covers topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, wearable devices, and real-time communication systems.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum suggests that Medicare could save $3.6 billion annually by eliminating or reducing low-value tests and procedures for patients who do not benefit from them. This reduction in unnecessary care could also result in $800 million less in out-of-pocket costs for older adults.
A large study found that Medicare beneficiaries with multiple sclerosis who received broader coverage of MS treatments had significantly lower risk of developing new or worsening symptoms. Researchers warn that formulary exclusions for specialty drugs could lead to worse health outcomes.
Researchers found that taking blood thinners like warfarin does not significantly increase the risk of brain bleeding after blunt head trauma, contradicting previous assumptions. In fact, patients with poorly controlled warfarin activity had the highest bleeding risk.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that high levels of social infrastructure are associated with healthier communities. Communities with higher levels of social, human, and cultural capital also had better health outcomes.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study found that B.C.'s universal, no-cost coverage policy led to a significant increase in the use of long-acting reversible contraception among reproductive-aged women. The study tracked nearly 860,000 women and discovered that cost was a major barrier to accessing effective birth control methods like IUDs and implants.
A recent study found that patients with type 2 diabetes experience worse financial outcomes, including below-prime credit scores and medical debt in collections. Nearly two-thirds of diabetes patients were estimated to have an adverse financial outcome, compared to half of other patients. The findings highlight the importance of screen...
The study uses systems modeling to analyze potential trade-offs of proposed NIH cuts, considering implications for long-term biomedical research and public health. The results suggest that funding policies must consider systemic interactions beyond immediate budgetary impacts.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that up to 40% of hospital transfers from nursing homes can be avoided. The study identified common medical conditions linked to unnecessary hospitalizations, including feeding tube complications and urinary tract infections.