Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
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A Stanford Medicine study found that gun violence resulted in significant national medical costs, with the government bearing a large share of the burden. The study estimated total hospital costs for firearm-related injuries over a nine-year period and highlighted the need for fact-based research to inform health policy decisions.
A study of 86,000 patients found that almost one-third of costs prior to total knee replacement went towards non-recommended therapies. The top three most costly treatments were hyaluronic acid injections, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy, accounting for 52.6% of expenses.
A study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that over half of older women with early-stage breast cancer received more radiation therapy than necessary, adding to healthcare costs. The researchers estimate a potential savings of $164 million by reducing radiation therapy regimens from six weeks to four weeks.
A new study suggests that pre-surgery opioid use is a significant risk factor for post-operative problems, including longer hospital stays and higher medical costs. Researchers recommend considering pre-op opioid use as a modifiable risk factor to improve patient outcomes and surgical experience.
A RAND Corporation study found that direct-to-consumer telehealth services prompt new use of medical services, leading to increased spending. Despite the convenience and lower costs associated with telehealth visits, only 12% of telemedicine visits replaced traditional office visits, while 88% represented new use of medical services.
A recent study published in Health Economics Review found that opting out of requiring physician supervision for anesthesia does not increase access to surgery or reduce costs. In fact, the study suggests that working without physician supervision may lead to higher costs related to inpatient surgical care.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has released updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of BPPV, emphasizing patient education and shared decision-making. The new guidelines aim to reduce unnecessary diagnostic testing and improve quality-of-life outcomes for patients with BPPV.
A recent study estimates that indoor tanning-related skin cancers in the US cause over 263,600 cases and cost $343.1 million in medical costs each year. The diseases also result in a total economic loss of $127 billion over the lifetime of those affected.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego found a collaborative diabetes clinic to be cost-effective, improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs. The clinic's personalized medication therapy management and education led to better glycemic control and reduced medical costs for patients over three years.
Researchers at Maastricht University Medical Center found that omitting standard intravenous hydration during contrast material procedures for patients with compromised renal function has no added value and may even lead to negative consequences. Omitting this treatment could prevent complications and save millions of euros in care costs.
The revival of for-profit medical education has the potential to address the nation's physician shortage and offer more affordable tuition options. However, critics argue that these schools must demonstrate they can operate profitably while maintaining academic quality.
The MIT-led project aims to standardize vaccine manufacturing at globally affordable costs by combining automation and reducing labor costs. The goal is to produce vaccines for less than 15 cents a dose, with the potential to make global vaccination more accessible.
A new study suggests that performing coronary angioplasty through a wrist artery instead of the groin can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The procedure saves approximately $3,700 per patient and could result in a nationwide cost savings of $300 million annually.
Researchers analyzed data from 10,266 patients with ICDs and found that nearly half experienced healthcare-related care after a shock, while one in seven was admitted to the hospital. The average cost of healthcare following an inappropriate shock was $4,470, highlighting the need for smarter ICD programming strategies.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a cheap and reusable diagnostic 'lab on a chip' with the help of an ordinary inkjet printer. The technology has the potential to enhance diagnostic capabilities around the world, especially in developing countries where access to early diagnostics is limited.
A new skin-graft harvesting system has been shown to significantly accelerate the healing process of chronic wounds in high-risk patients. The minimally invasive approach resulted in faster recovery times and reduced healthcare costs, with an average savings of $1,153 per patient.
A new study found that achieving ideal levels for five to seven heart-healthy habits can reduce cardiovascular risk and lower healthcare expenditures. Participants with higher scores were less likely to have all-cause and cardiovascular disease-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits, resulting in $5,016 less in total costs.
Researchers developed a wearable sensor to monitor skin hydration in real-time, tracking health risks and improving safety for military personnel, athletes, and older adults. The low-cost sensor uses conductive silver nanowires to detect changes in skin electric properties based on hydration levels.
The total economic cost of smoking was US$ 1436 billion in 2012, equivalent to 1.8% of the world's GDP, according to a new study published in Tobacco Control. Developing countries accounted for nearly 40% of this sum.
A mobile app enabled C-section patients to take control of their care and reduce hospital stays from 3.7 days to 2.7 days, saving costs and improving quality.
A new study found that providing medical assistance in dying in Canada may not increase healthcare costs and could even reduce spending by up to $138.8 million. The researchers used data from the Netherlands and Belgium, where medically assisted dying is legal, to estimate the impact on Canadian healthcare spending.
A new study by the RAND Corporation finds that Oregon's efforts to expand health insurance coverage may face obstacles, including federal waivers and potential provider shortages. The analysis of three proposals suggests that universal coverage models may be more feasible than initially thought, but come with tradeoffs and unknown effe...
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new way to protect personal electronic health records using a patient's heartbeat. The ECG signal is reused as the key for data encryption, providing enhanced security and privacy while minimizing costs. This innovative solution has the potential to significantly improve secure, per...
The use of antimicrobial sutures coated with triclosan has been shown to reduce the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) by 39%. Additionally, economic analysis reveals a significant average cost savings per procedure of £91.25 when using triclosan-coated sutures.
Chronic kidney disease patients spent a median $1,439 in annual out-of-pocket costs, compared to $770 for cancer patients and $748 for stroke patients. The study found that these high costs are due to the need for multiple medications and frequent doctor visits.
A systematic review from UAB found that elective repeat cesarean deliveries are associated with excess morbidity and cost. The study suggests that women with certain characteristics, such as obesity or a short inter-pregnancy interval, should be carefully screened for trial of labor after cesarean delivery eligibility.
Gastroenterology experts argue that removing prescriptions for gluten-free foods would unfairly discriminate against people with coeliac disease. They highlight the high cost of such products (3-4 times standard prices) and limited availability in shops.
A new study finds that even low-deductible plans can result in high out-of-pocket costs for individuals with chronic health conditions. The researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 people and found that those with high-deductible plans spent more than 10% of their total income on healthcare costs.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that hospitals' decisions on sending surgery patients to healing destinations greatly impact healthcare spending. The choice between inpatient, home, or outpatient care drives post-acute spending, with inpatient rehabilitation being a key driver of total 90-day costs.
Researchers propose a high-value health plan that combines consumer-driven HDHPs with exemptions for clinical services proven to benefit patients. The concept has already gained bipartisan appeal in the US House bill.
A recent study by Cedars-Sinai found that implementing rigorous catheter safeguards can significantly reduce bloodstream infections related to central venous catheters. The study, which analyzed data from 113 hospitals, showed a 57% reduction in infection rates while producing net savings of $1.85 million for each site over three years.
The 'Right Care Series' highlights the extent of overuse and underuse of healthcare services worldwide. Both issues are widespread and often coexist, causing harm to patients and wasting resources. By tackling these problems together, countries can achieve sustainable universal health coverage and ensure that healthcare is a human right.
A new study found that Michigan's Medicaid expansion has boosted the state's economy and budget, generating over $2.3 billion in personal spending power each year. The program is expected to continue having a self-paying effect for at least five years, with the state ending up with more money than it spends.
A third of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England are using private companies to screen patient referrals from GPs to specialist services. While some schemes aim to reduce costs, others improve referral quality. However, most CCGs lack evidence on whether their schemes have saved money overall.
The study found that bundled payment models can reduce healthcare costs without compromising quality, with a 20.8% decrease in average cost for joint replacements and improved post-acute care spending. The hospital system's use of evidence-based data and incentivizing physicians also played a key role in achieving these savings.
A new study by USC researchers finds that US families provide nearly $36 billion in uncompensated medical care to children with special health care needs each year. These caregivers spend an estimated 5.1 hours per week providing care, which can be time-intensive and emotionally stressful.
A pilot study at Nationwide Children's Hospital demonstrates that a local learning health system can improve clinical quality while reducing healthcare costs. The study implemented an electronic health record and robust care coordination system, resulting in significant reductions in hospital days, admissions, and urgent care visits, a...
A recent study by University of British Columbia researchers found that excessive reoperations in breast cancer surgeries result in significant costs to the Canadian healthcare system. The study concludes that with current reoperation rates being over double recommended targets, the additional cost is substantial.
A study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics found that medical care costs for children with Down syndrome are less than $100 a month higher than those for typically developing children. The average monthly cost difference is lower when the child is older, ranging from $537 a year for children aged 13-18.
A new study from OpenNotes investigators finds that offering patients a mechanism to provide feedback about their notes enhances engagement and improves patient safety. The majority of patients reported understanding the content of their notes and providing valuable feedback, which led to changes in the record or care in 57% of cases.
Researchers identified a small portion of the population with high-needs/high-costs as the lion's share of socially costly problems. Early interventions at preschool age showed promise in avoiding these costs.
A new study finds that middle-aged patients with psychosis are incurring significant costs in long-term care facilities and with hospitalization, highlighting the need to address both mental and physical health in younger patients. Chronic psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, are associated with high health care costs due to you...
A recent hospital discharge, and prepares them for successful transition back into community settings. Older black patients bear a disproportionate risk of readmissions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A new study suggests that persistent job insecurity over a 25-year career can lead to increased psychological distress among older workers. The research found that stress from perceived job insecurity was particularly high among minorities and those without a high school degree, and that this stress can have significant impacts on health.
A Northwestern University study found that applying petroleum jelly to high-risk newborns can prevent eczema, a costly skin disorder. The cost benefit of prophylactic moisturization was $353 per quality-adjusted life year, making it an affordable option.
A new study found that only half of highly rated mHealth apps for people with asthma and stroke, and a quarter for elderly users, responded appropriately to dangerous health values. Many apps offered useful tracking functions and reminders but lacked tailored guidance or ongoing engagement.
Research suggests direct costs for select orthopaedic procedures at ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) could be significantly less than university hospitals. ASCs offer convenient and potentially cost-effective care options with streamlined processes.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that home-based telemental health for depression can deliver a similar quality of life and patient satisfaction as in-person visits, overcoming barriers such as mobility issues and transportation costs. The trial enrolled 241 depressed elderly veterans who received eight ...
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that Medicare beneficiaries without supplemental insurance incur average annual out-of-pocket costs ranging from $2,116 to $8,115. Hospitalizations are a major driver of these costs.
A study by Eugene Lin and colleagues found that multi-disciplinary care is a cost-effective intervention, costing $24,613 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), compared to dialysis which costs $129,090 per QALY. This approach can improve the health of patients with kidney disease while reducing medical costs.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that retail clinics near hospital emergency departments did not reduce visits to emergency departments for minor health ailments. The study examined over 2,000 emergency departments across 23 states and found no significant reduction in low-acuity visit rates despite increased retail clinic access.
According to a new Dartmouth Institute study, 16 of 32 ACOs addressed patients' nonmedical needs. ACOs are creating financial incentives for providers to improve outcomes and lower costs. The study found that addressing these needs can lead to reduced medical costs and improved quality of care.
Achieving optimal asthma control results in a 30% reduction of healthcare costs, with greater savings for obese patients. The study also found higher spending on asthma drugs yields net savings in total asthma costs.
The highly competitive residency matching process has become increasingly frenzied, driving up costs for students and disrupting the fourth year of medical school. Students are applying to an average of 30-45 programs, with some specialties requiring over 70 applications, leading to excessive travel and financial burdens.
A new study finds that both patients and healthcare providers account for half of the regional spending differences in medical costs. Patient characteristics, such as basic health and care preferences, contribute to nearly 50% of these disparities, while provider practices and incentives drive the remaining 50%. The research provides i...
A national 10% tax on SSBs in Mexico may prevent 189,300 new cases of type 2 diabetes, 20,400 incident strokes and heart attacks, and 18,900 deaths among adults aged 35-94 over 10 years. The tax could save 983 million international dollars in healthcare costs due to prevention of diabetes cases.
A study comparing two hospitalist groups found no significant differences in key clinical outcomes, including patient mortality and hospital readmissions. The results suggest that hospitals can safely reduce costs by using well-trained physician assistants (PAs) in a formal PA-physician collaboration arrangement.
Research suggests doctors are more likely to prescribe growth hormones for slow-growing children if the child's family requests it or if they believe in its intangible benefits. This raises concerns about access, overuse, and cost of life-enhancing products, which can be expensive and create financial burdens.
A study of patient perceptions by Henry Ford Hospital found that patients overestimate the Medicare reimbursement for knee surgery and ACL reconstruction procedures. Patients believe a surgeon's salary should be compensated more for advanced training and are willing to pay more out-of-pocket costs.
Annual exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals has a significant impact on the US healthcare system, causing over 2.3% of the country's GDP to be lost. The estimated disease burden from these chemicals is valued at $340 billion annually, with specific effects including neurological damage, infertility, and certain cancers.