Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A recent study published in Pediatric Research found that children who received wishes were 2.5 times more likely to have fewer unplanned hospital admissions and 1.9 times less likely to use the emergency department. This led to a decline in healthcare costs, even after accounting for the average cost of the wish.
Research using 2011 Medicare claims data found a strong association between higher primary care physician continuity and lower healthcare costs, as well as decreased hospitalization rates. The study suggests that continuity of care is a valuable aspect of primary care that should be incorporated into quality measures.
A new study reveals that patients with untreated hearing loss incur significantly higher total health care costs over time, totaling $22,434 per person over a decade. The study found that older adults with untreated hearing loss generated nearly 46% more in total health care costs compared to those without hearing loss.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that implementing communication-and-resolution programs does not increase liability costs for hospitals. The programs promote transparency and patient safety by openly communicating with patients after medical injuries.
A new report suggests that addressing chronic diseases like diabetes could save tens of billions of dollars in healthcare costs annually. Proper nutrition therapy and exercise can effectively cause remission of Type 2 diabetes, with a one percent decrease in HbA1c levels resulting in significant savings.
The economic impact of obesity and excess weight in the US has reached $1.7 trillion, according to a new study by the Milken Institute. Direct health-care costs total $480.7 billion, while lost productivity adds another $1.24 trillion.
A new study estimates that bullying and harassment in the NHS in England may be costing over £2 billion per year. Productivity loss due to presenteeism is estimated to cost £604.4 million annually. The authors hope their research will provide a financial incentive for policymakers to tackle the issue.
A Canadian-led international study found that every hour of delay in stroke treatment results in poorer outcomes, diminished quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. The study concludes that delays within the first six hours lead to significant losses in full quality of life and health-adjusted life years.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed wearable electronic stickers that can monitor physical activity and alert users to potential health risks in real-time. The low-cost, disposable devices are made from paper-like cellulose and can be used to track sleep patterns of patients or monitor athletes' health during exercise.
A study found that Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) costs may be higher than expected reimbursements, potentially limiting access to recommended services for minority and low-income patients. The program aims to prevent diabetes in Medicare beneficiaries, but insufficient reimbursement may deter healthcare providers.
A study in Germany shows that cancer patients face substantial financial impacts, including income loss and material hardship, with adverse psychological effects. The survey of 247 patients revealed that 80.6% faced higher out-of-pocket costs and 37.2% experienced significant income loss.
A new analysis found that nonfatal injuries in the US cost over $1.8 trillion in 2013, with falls and being hit by objects causing most prevalent causes of injury. The study highlights preventable measures, such as well-designed safety devices and laws, to reduce deaths caused by injuries.
A study of top-ranked US hospitals reveals noncompliance with federal and state regulations regarding patient medical records request processes. Patients may face discrepancies in information provided, hindering their right to access protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
A study by Yale researchers found that many top US hospitals fail to comply with federal regulations regarding patient access to medical records. Despite HIPAA guarantees, hospitals often make it difficult or expensive for patients to obtain their own records, violating state and federal guidelines.
Wraparound services, co-located with primary care, are associated with a reduction in hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Researchers estimated potential cost savings of $8.2 million from 2011 to 2016, representing an average annual savings of $1.4 to $2.4 million.
A study from Tufts University suggests that SNAP policy interventions, such as food incentives and disincentives, can improve food choices and reduce disease burdens in low-income families. The study estimates that these interventions could save $6.77 billion to $41.93 billion in healthcare costs over a lifetime.
A new study reveals that cardiac implants in the US are significantly more expensive than those in European countries, with prices ranging from $340 to $4,200 for a single device. The research suggests that health system-level factors contribute to these price differences and may influence hospital incentives to contain costs.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Maryland Health Enterprise Zones linked to significant reductions in inpatient stays (18,562 fewer) and overall health care cost savings ($93 million). Despite a jump in emergency room visits, the initiative brought large net cost savings.
The UN is calling for the establishment of prevention programs to reduce tuberculosis among miners and others exposed to silica dust. Implementing primary prevention in high-risk occupations can prevent 300,000 new cases annually with improved ventilation, water spray misting, and personal protective equipment.
A new study estimated the costs of informal care provided by daughters to their mothers, finding that these costs are similar to those associated with full-time institutional care. The study also highlighted the impact of memory-related diseases on caregiving costs and experience.
A new cell phone app and lab kit enable a smartphone to identify bacteria from patients anywhere in the world, leading to faster recovery and lower treatment costs for patients. The test uses a smartphone's camera to measure a chemical reaction and determines a diagnosis in about an hour.
A study by Daniel J. Scott and colleagues found that surgeons spent significantly less time interacting with patients (10.03 minutes) after implementing an electronic medical records system. Despite initial increases in labor costs, the time spent on documentation persisted, leading to a negative trade-off for patient care.
Gunshot victims require significantly more blood transfusions due to severe injury severity, with a 14-fold increased risk of death compared to non-GSW trauma patients. Blood products cost a lot and are scarce, making it crucial for hospitals to improve outcomes for trauma victims.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics emphasizes the need for affordable treatment options for rare and ultra-rare diseases. Key recommendations include preventing abuses of the Orphan Drug Act and aligning drug packaging with dosing recommendations to reduce waste. The organization urges policymakers to develop simple,...
A study analyzing 538 vaccine candidates found that only about 128 are likely to reach the market, with many critical products lacking. The researchers estimate it would cost $16.3 billion to move current candidates through the pipeline, highlighting the need for increased investment and innovative approaches.
A study by Washington University researchers found that community outreach and educational support led to a higher enrollment rate in ACA plans among Missourians in 2018. The initiative also developed an online decision support tool, Show Me Health Plans, which reported higher health insurance knowledge and confidence among users.
Kenneth Tyler's review article in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the need for improved diagnosis and treatment of acute viral encephalitis. The condition, which affects about seven patients per 100,000 population annually, imposes a heavy economic burden on healthcare systems.
A new study by Harvard Medical School and Tufts University finds that immigrants use significantly less health care than US-born individuals, with lower rates of utilization and expenditures. Immigrants also pay more out-of-pocket health care payments, effectively subsidizing private insurance and some public programs like Medicare.
A single-payer health care plan in New York could expand coverage for all residents without increasing overall spending, according to a RAND Corporation analysis. The plan would require substantial new tax revenue and shift financing among households and businesses, with the highest-income households paying substantially more.
A new study found that UVA's Hospital-to-Home program significantly improves survival and other outcomes for heart failure patients while saving money. The program slashed mortality rates by 41% and reduced hospital readmissions by 24% compared to non-participants.
The DEEP study examined the costs and quality-of-life of individuals with persistent orofacial pain (POFP) and estimated outcomes from pain onset. The results showed that high pain levels led to increased healthcare costs and decreased quality-of-life, highlighting the burden of POFP on health.
Patients with advanced cancer who discussed personal care goals with a trained nonclinical worker were more likely to talk with doctors, report higher satisfaction, and incur lower health costs in their final month of life. The study suggests that these conversations can improve the quality of end-of-life cancer care while lowering costs.
A study found that delayed endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for stroke patients reduces their quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) by 40 days and economic value by $10,000 per 10-minute delay.
A new study reveals that developing a standardized stroke protocol can significantly reduce the time it takes to treat ELVO stroke patients. The protocol, which includes having a neurointerventional team meet patients upon arrival, achieves a median door-to-recanalization time of less than 60 minutes.
A new study found that a bundled-payment system did not lower Medicare costs for patients hospitalized for serious medical conditions. Despite providing financial incentives, hospitals saw no significant reductions in costs, with average costs remaining largely unchanged.
Research suggests VMMC has already impacted Zimbabwe's HIV epidemic and will continue to provide significant health and economic benefits. By 2021, the program aims to reach 80% coverage among 15-29-year-olds and 30% among 10-14-year-olds.
Patients with persistent facial pain incur significant costs, including £650 per year out-of-pocket expenses. An electronic referral system using a Graded Chronic Pain Scale could improve quality of life and reduce costs to employers by providing a structured care pathway.
Low-income families with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) experience high out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including insurance premiums and prescription medications. Researchers found nearly one in four low-income families face catastrophic financial burdens.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a significant impact on the US healthcare system, with estimated annual costs of $32 billion. The prevalence of NAFLD mirrors the rising trend of obesity in the United States, affecting roughly 100 million Americans.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that self-monitoring of type 2 diabetes can reduce healthcare costs by nearly 60% by replacing follow-up visits with electronic feedback. This results in significant savings on travel and healthcare costs, particularly in sparsely populated areas.
Researchers found a significant increase in specialist referrals among family physicians switching to blended capitation models, highlighting unintended consequences of policy changes. The study's findings suggest that increased referrals may not be entirely necessary and could result in higher costs for the healthcare system.
A study by the RAND Corporation found that opening onsite health clinics in schools can lower healthcare costs by 15% and decrease teacher absenteeism. The clinics provided comprehensive primary care to teachers and their families, resulting in lower hospital admission rates and prescription costs.
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has the potential to provide early diagnoses for neonates with genetic disorders, leading to changes in medical care and reduced healthcare costs. In a study of over 340 patients, rWGS yielded a diagnosis in 34% of cases, with significant changes in management observed in 67% of those diagnosed.
The study found that on-site pathology testing reduced the need for medical evacuations by up to 35%, resulting in estimated total cost savings of $21.75 million per year. This technology enabled early diagnosis, treatment, and evacuation for critically ill patients in remote communities.
A 20% increase in US adults' adherence to healthy dietary patterns could save $30-47 billion annually, primarily due to reductions in heart disease and cancer costs. Increasing adherence to the Mediterranean-style diet could lead to annual savings of $21-26 billion.
A new study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that hospitals receiving bundled payments for joint replacements either voluntarily or through Medicare's mandatory programs vary in size and volume but not in spending or quality. The authors suggest both programs are needed to engage more hospitals.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that a tax on medical devices significantly reduced R&D investment, sales revenue, and earnings. The tax, part of the Affordable Care Act, affected operating and marketing costs as well, but firms diversified their customer base and increased global market sales to offset the impact.
A new cardiac pump device has been found to minimize cost of care over time for heart failure patients, with a 51% reduction in re-hospitalization rates and significant cost savings compared to the standard device.
A new study suggests inadequate sleep has grave economic consequences, affecting over 33% of Australian adults and costing billions. The financial cost of $17.88 billion represents 1.55% of the country's GDP.
A recent systematic review found that health information exchanges can significantly reduce healthcare costs and usage. Community-based exchanges showed more promising results than proprietary ones. The study's lead investigator attributed the difference to more mature systems being examined in the current review.
A new study finds that child sexual abuse has a profound economic impact on the US, with estimated annual costs of $9.3 billion and lifetime costs per victim ranging from nearly $200,000 for nonfatal abuse to over $1 million for fatal cases. The study's authors hope to inspire policymakers to invest in prevention efforts.
A clinical trial at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that a comprehensive care physician model reduced hospitalization rates by 15-22% and improved patient satisfaction. The model, which involves a single doctor providing care in both clinic and hospital settings, was preferred by patients and economically beneficial.
A recent study found that 12.1% of end-of-life admissions received non-beneficial treatment, costing the public $153.1 million annually. The new collaboration aims to reduce such treatments and improve end-of-life care.
A national analysis found treatment costs for drug-resistant MRSA infections are similar to those of susceptible MSSA infections. Researchers attribute the lower costs to factors such as price differences in drugs and possible misdiagnosis or coding errors.
A new study found per-capita end-of-life care costs have been declining since 2008, with significant contributions from reduced inpatient and physician expenditures. The decline contributed to moderation in growth of overall per-capita Medicare spending.
Researchers analyzed national hospitalization data from 2010-2014 and found that MRSA-related hospitalization costs were approximately the same as or less expensive than hospitalizations with MSSA infections. However, patients with MRSA infections had a greater likelihood of mortality than those with MSSA.
Researchers at Allina Health examined pain treatment outcomes of integrative medicine in hospitalized patients and found significant cost savings associated with pain reductions. The study, published in JACM, suggests that integrative interventions can lead to a decrease in hospital costs by up to $1,000 per admission.
A dolutegravir-based regimen is likely to increase life expectancy by nearly three years and reduce new HIV infections by 23 percent in India. This could be achieved without increasing the country's HIV/AIDS budget.
The UK loses 86 million workdays to migraine annually, costing the economy £8.8 billion. The condition affects over 23% of adults with nearly 200,000 attacks daily.
A new study finds that older adults with severe hearing loss who use hearing aids are less likely to visit the hospital or emergency room, despite high costs of the devices themselves. The association is significant, even considering factors such as income and education level.