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.
Medical professionals in the US should use trained medical interpreters to ensure patients with limited English proficiency receive accurate communication. Language access plans involving professional interpreters improve health outcomes, ethical patient care, and patient satisfaction, reducing costly repeat visits.
The STARS (Students and Trainees Advocating for Resource Stewardship) program at Boston University School of Medicine aims to help medical students develop skills to identify the appropriate amount of patient care. Through the program, students will review ABIM Foundation's Choosing Wisely value-based care campaign and use tools like t...
A study of 13,237 veterans found that elective coronary revascularization procedures at VA hospitals had better travel distances but more variable outcomes compared to community-based facilities. The researchers also noted differences in costs between the two settings.
A team of experts re-analyzed data from 31 clinical trials to compare single vs. multiple-use catheters and urinary tract infections. They found that studies tend to favour single-use catheters, indicating potential risks with catheter reuse.
A cost analysis shows that individualized blood sugar goals for diabetes patients can save more than $13,500 over a lifetime compared to uniform national recommendations. Lower medication costs are the primary factor in these savings.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that pride levels are inversely associated with the risk of falling in older adults. High levels of pride were linked to a 19% lower odds of reported falls. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,400 adults aged 60 and older, suggesting that pride may be a protective factor against falling.
The largest ever analysis of NHS patients who fail to attend reveals socio-economic deprivation as biggest risk factor. Nearly 20% of patients missed more than two appointments over a 3-year period, with 46% missing one or more appointments.
A new report highlights the benefits of health literacy for both patients and providers, achieving the quadruple aim of quality care, community health, reduced costs, and improved patient and provider experiences. Health literacy can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospitalization rates, and lower health expenditures.
Patients with multiple sclerosis who adhere to medication schedules experience significantly better physical outcomes, including reduced disease impact and disability. However, their overall healthcare costs are higher due to more frequent hospitalizations and medical appointments.
A new study suggests that despite the rise in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), most Americans who have them aren't pursuing consumer-like behaviors such as saving, shopping around, or discussing costs with healthcare providers. Key findings include low savings rates and limited engagement with providers.
The number of laboratory services associated with diagnoses of anaphylactic food reaction increased by 871 percent from 2007 to 2016, and billed charges for those services rose even more. Milk product allergy was the most expensive food allergy in terms of average costs and services per patient.
Research in CMAJ found that motorcycle crashes result in 3 times the injuries and 10 times the severity compared to car accidents. Motorcycle accidents also cause 5 times more deaths and 6 times higher medical costs.
A study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers found that hospitals with higher midwife-attended births had lower rates of cesarean deliveries and episiotomies among low-risk pregnancies. The findings suggest that increased access to midwifery care could enhance perinatal care and reduce costs.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that routine laboratory screenings for children entering foster care carry high costs and questionable medical benefits. Targeted screening may be a more cost-effective approach, particularly for conditions such as anemia, lead poisoning, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Researchers estimate that Australian smokers will lose an estimated 2.9 million years of life and 2.7 million years of productive years, resulting in a significant impact on the country's economy. The study highlights the importance of smoking prevention and the need to address this issue.
Research found that 15% of heart attack and stroke patients, and 9% of CABG patients, were uninsured during 2008-2012. Hospital bills exceeded 40% of annual income for 85% of heart attack patients, 75% of stroke patients, and 83% of CABG patients.
State cancer drug parity laws have had a mixed impact on treatment costs, with modest improvements for many patients and increased monthly out-of-pocket costs for others. The laws aim to ensure that oral cancer treatments are not more costly than infusions, but they may not fully address affordability concerns.
Researchers identified 71 low-value general surgical procedures, with the highest impact interventions including inguinal hernia repair and routine endoscopy in asymptomatic patients. Experts emphasize the importance of maximizing patient care value through precise treatments and challenging existing dogma that 'more is better'.
A new study measures the causes behind the US health care spending increase, attributing 50% to price and intensity of services. The analysis reveals that factors like population growth, age, disease prevalence, and utilization drive most of the spending increase.
A study of over 19,000 knee dislocation cases found obesity increases complications and costs of care. Obese patients are more likely to experience vascular injury, which can lead to amputation if left untreated. Hospital stays for obese patients with vascular injury were 15.3 days, costing $131,478 on average.
A pilot study found that partnerships between rural hospitals and academic surgery departments can substantially increase patient satisfaction due to increased accessibility of quality surgical care. The partnerships also lead to cost savings for both the hospitals and the state, with projected savings of approximately $7 million.
A new study found that Medicare beneficiaries in low-income US counties utilize observation care more commonly, leading to high out-of-pocket expenses. Patients in poor counties were 17% more likely to incur high costs compared to wealthier counterparts.
A new policy proposal by Dartmouth economist Elizabeth Cascio aims to relieve the burden of child care costs on low-income families, particularly those with children under five. The proposed reform recommends replacing current federal child care tax policies with a new, refundable tax credit that would benefit lower-income families.
A new study found that acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with significant healthcare costs, with the mildest forms of AKI resulting in 1.2 to 1.3 times greater costs than patients without AKI. The study estimates the incremental cost of AKI in Canada to be over $200 million per year.
Rapid whole-genome sequencing of neonatal ICU patients reveals a genetic diagnosis in 35% of cases, leading to changes in medical management and improved outcomes. The procedure saves an estimated $1.3 million per hospitalization, making it a cost-effective option.
A family approach to managing chronic illnesses can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. By working together on lifestyle changes such as healthier eating habits and regular exercise, family members can help patients stay on track with their treatment plans.
A recent study by UCLA researchers found that low-cost, high-volume services account for a large portion of unnecessary healthcare spending in the US. The study analyzed data from Virginia's healthcare system and found that these services cost the state over $586 million in 2014.
A systematic review of high-deductible health care plans found they curb both healthcare cost and usage, including preventive care. The study showed a decrease in patient use of medical services, including desirable services like cancer screenings.
A Johns Hopkins study of firearm-related injuries found decreasing incidence in some age groups, increasing trends in others, and higher costs for gunshot wounds. Firearm injuries are also linked to mental health disorders, with attempted suicides having the highest incidence among Medicare enrollees.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the cost of compounded medication to prevent preterm births is significantly lower than the brand-name version. The analysis showed that the compounded form costs an average of $206 per pregnancy, compared to $10,917 for the brand-name version.
The nation's public cord blood banks provide benefits for patients and the research community, outweighing costs. Researchers recommend standardizing payment and encouraging diverse collection practices to strengthen the system.
A new study suggests that weight loss in adults leads to significant cost savings, peaking at age 50. The research found that an adult who goes from obese to overweight can save $17,655 in direct medical costs and productivity losses over their lifetime, while losing weight from obese to healthy results in a savings of $28,020.
Researchers found that patients with pre-existing psychiatric diagnoses had higher acute and follow-up costs, particularly in emergency department and hospital outpatient costs. Addressing psychiatric comorbidities proactively may mitigate cost differences for these patients.
A new fatigue cost calculator reveals that US employers can lose up to $1.4 million annually due to employee sleep deficiency. The calculator estimates costs for absenteeism, productivity loss, healthcare expenses, accidents, and other occupational costs associated with exhausted employees.
A study explored boundaries of parental choice in medical decision making for children, identifying thresholds of acceptable levels of harm and cost. More than half of participants were willing to provide treatment with a small increased risk of death and up to $500 in cost increase.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study suggests that participating in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) can lower annual health care costs by $1,400 per person. SNAP provides a monthly benefit to purchase certain food products and has been found to reduce food insecurity.
A NIH study found three interventions in emergency departments save lives and are cost-effective relative to usual care. Postcards, telephone outreach, and cognitive behavioral therapy reduce patients' suicide risk by 30-50% and are cost-effective options.
A RAND Corporation report finds that repealing the Affordable Care Act would likely lead to increased demand for VA services and more uninsured veterans. The study estimates that older, low-income veterans are most at risk of losing health insurance coverage.
Researchers at UW demonstrated long-range backscatter system that can transmit data across distances of up to 2.8 kilometers with extremely low power consumption. The system enables practical use in medical monitoring, smart cities, and precision agriculture.
Four primary methods are used by primary care practices to risk stratify patient populations: practice-developed algorithm, AAFP clinical algorithm, payer claims/electronic health record, and clinical intuition. Practices that developed their own algorithm identify more high-risk patients than those using other methods.
Research in the UK found that people with disabilities face significant hurdles accessing healthcare services, with disabled women being disproportionately disadvantaged. Long waiting lists and cost of treatment were major obstacles, affecting over one-fourth of those with severe disabilities.
Researchers found that using medical specialists in intensive care improved patient outcomes, reducing hospital stays by two days and saving over $4 million a year. The collaborative staffing model between cardiologists and intensivists showed promising results, warranting further study.
A new blood management program at Johns Hopkins Health System has reduced unnecessary blood transfusions and saved the system over $2 million annually. The program, launched in 2012, included education and feedback to promote best practices and guideline compliance, resulting in significant cost savings.
A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that patients with shorter-than-guideline hospital stays are more likely to be readmitted, while those with longer stays have a lower risk. The study suggests that early discharge can actually increase costs in the long run.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that private hospital care payments in Indiana are significantly higher than national norms and are increasing over time. The state's largest hospital systems command the highest prices, with some hospitals charging up to 3.5 times the Medicare rate.
A national survey of over 2,000 physicians finds that overtreatment is a leading driver of healthcare costs and wasteful spending. Physicians believe that at least 15-30% of medical care is unnecessary, with fear of malpractice being the primary cause.
Patients in a collaborative care model received more substance abuse treatment and reported higher abstinence rates compared to those receiving usual primary care services. The study suggests that integrating treatment into primary medical care can increase access to evidence-based substance use treatment.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that vaccination efforts in poor countries have prevented 20 million deaths and saved $350 billion by 2020. The researchers also estimated a broader economic value of $820 billion, with certain vaccines providing the greatest benefits.
The current approach to quality measurement in healthcare is characterized by inefficiency and imbalance, with measures that are duplicative, overlapping, or overrepresent certain areas of care. A lack of consideration for the cost of each measure hinders the ability to assess its value.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that 56% of people aged 57-61 will stay in a nursing home at least one night during their lifetime, contradicting previous estimates of 35%. The study analyzed 18 years of data and found that most people can afford nursing home care, with costs averaging $7,300 over a lifetime.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that the average cost of treating oropharyngeal cancer in Texas for two years is $139,749. The study suggests that HPV vaccination could prevent many cases of the disease and result in significant cost savings.
Two studies provide strong evidence that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120 mmHg is well-tolerated by patients and cost-effective. Participants on intensive therapy reported feeling as well as those receiving standard blood pressure control, and were equally satisfied with their care.
Adult survivors of childhood cancer are more likely to experience financial burden from out-of-pocket healthcare costs, leading to behaviors that may harm their health. Survivors with higher costs were more likely to skip treatments, postpone medical care, and worry about accessing healthcare.
A new study estimates that families of individuals with dementia incur $184,500 greater in lifetime care costs compared to those without dementia. Reducing symptoms by 10% can lower lifetime costs by $3,880 and $680, respectively.
A new study shows that community health workers can improve health outcomes, reduce hospitalization rates, and lower costs for Medicaid patients. The IMPaCT program pairs trained local residents with chronically-ill patients from low-income neighborhoods.
A new simulation study shows that dementia can more than double the healthcare expenditure of aging individuals, with the majority of the financial burden falling on family members. The total average cost to care for a person with dementia was $321,000 over five years, compared to $137,280 without dementia.
A report suggests that behavioral science can be used to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of American healthcare by encouraging healthier lifestyles and insurance plan enrollment. The study proposes policy recommendations for employers, insurers, and policymakers to reduce costs and promote evidence-based treatments.
A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and BRAIN AG found a clear correlation between sugar consumption and dental illness, resulting in significant costs. The researchers estimated that implementing the World Health Organization's 50g sugar per person per day target could save Germany up to 12 billion euros annually.
A study by Duke University researchers found that one-third of insured cancer patients pay more out-of-pocket than expected, despite health coverage. This 'financial toxicity' can lead to decreased treatment adherence and worsen mental and physical state.
A study by Abbott found that a nutrition care program reduced 30-day readmission rates by 27% and average hospital stay by nearly two days. This resulted in cost savings of up to $3,800 per patient due to shorter hospital stays and lower readmissions.