Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A UC3M study found that hospitals with more research output have shorter patient stays and lower healthcare costs. Basic and clinical research both contribute to improved efficiency in public health centers.
Researchers studied data from nearly 4 million Medicare beneficiaries over 65 with multiple chronic conditions, comparing hospitalizations, deaths, and medical costs between those who saw PCPs and specialists. People who saw PCPs had fewer hospitalizations and lower costs.
A new study found that generous health insurance plans with low deductibles and copays can lead to unnecessary treatments for chronically ill patients. The study suggests that personalized medicine interventions, providing more information about treatment effectiveness, can reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
A new study found that bicycle injuries to adults in the US resulted in $237 billion in medical costs over a 17-year period. Medical costs from non-fatal bike crashes increased by 137 percent, with older men accounting for a significant proportion of total costs.
A new study at Penn Medicine identified several barriers to discussing cost transparency in cancer care, including patient fear of being 'profiled' based on socioeconomic status. Strong doctor-patient relationships, availability of financial expertise, and scalability are potential facilitators for improving cost transparency discussions.
A Cedars-Sinai study found that quality improvement programs can significantly reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure patients and older adults with diverse health issues. However, the study's findings also showed that these interventions may not always result in net savings for healthcare systems.
Researchers found that only 20.2% of major birth defects had a definite cause, highlighting the need for better research to prevent and care for these conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of population-based preventive interventions for known causes, such as smoking or diabetes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that only 38% of emergency medicine healthcare professionals can accurately estimate the costs for three common conditions. This lack of transparency has the potential to lower costs for patients and the overall healthcare system.
A new study by an international team of economists found that urban heat islands could increase the economic costs of climate change in cities by up to 2.6 times, with the worst-off city facing losses of 10.9% of GDP by the end of the century
The INCA-Peru study developed an ultrafast CMR protocol, reducing scan time to 10 minutes and cost to $150, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes in Peru. The test revealed new diagnoses in 20% of patients, changing clinical management in 33%.
A comprehensive medical weight-loss program showed no significant difference in one-year weight loss outcomes between patients with insurance coverage and those who paid out of pocket. However, insurance-covered patients had slightly lower dropout rates compared to self-paid individuals.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 patients with lap-band surgery undergo multiple device-related reoperations, and complication rates range greatly. Accredited bariatric centers also vary significantly in their rates of serious complications, with a 17-fold difference between the highest and lowest rates.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new method to measure proteins in dry blood samples, allowing for easier and cheaper healthcare. The study found that this method has great potential to save resources and enable early diagnostics, with minimal changes to protein levels over time.
Generic hepatitis C drugs available in India offer significant cost savings by increasing life expectancy by more than eight years and reducing lifetime health care costs by over $1,300 per person. The payback period for the upfront costs of DAA drugs is under 5 years for advanced-stage patients.
A study published in The BMJ found that patients treated by older physicians have higher mortality rates than those cared for by younger physicians, except for those with high patient volumes. However, the researchers note that clinical skills and knowledge accumulated by more experienced physicians can lead to improved quality of care.
Psychologist Robert Gatchel's research highlights how patients' irrational beliefs about chronic pain can impact treatment outcomes and pain management. His work suggests that a more comprehensive approach to treatment is needed, incorporating lifestyle habits, attitudes, and social support systems.
A study published in CMAJ found that adding a modest 2% income-based deductible to British Columbia's public drug plan did not decrease prescription medication use among seniors. However, it reduced the number of people who qualified for public subsidy and decreased public drug spending.
Researchers estimate that achieving a smoking prevalence of less than 5% by 2035 would avoid nearly 12,500 new cases of serious disease. The UK could save £600 million in healthcare and lost productivity costs in 2035 alone, mainly due to declines in smoking rates among the wealthy rather than the poor.
Researchers developed a new 3D printing method using soft silicone that creates stronger, less expensive, and more flexible medical implants. This method cuts production time from days to hours, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
A peer-support program launched at Johns Hopkins Medicine has saved the institution nearly $2 million each year, according to a recent analysis. The program helps clinicians cope with traumatic events, reducing productivity losses and turnover rates.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that imposing copays on Medicare home health care does not reduce its usage, despite increased out-of-pocket costs for seniors. The researchers analyzed data from over 290,000 seniors and found no significant difference in home care usage between plans with and without copays.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, a non-surgical procedure, has been shown to be safe and effective for individuals with obesity who are not candidates for weight-loss surgery. Patients treated with ESG achieved greater weight loss than laparoscopic banding but less than laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Researchers estimate Zika's economic burden in the US, ranging from $183 million to over $1.2 billion depending on infection rates. The virus can lead to serious health issues like Guillain-Barré Syndrome and birth defects.
A computational analysis led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers estimates that even a mild Zika outbreak in the US could result in $183 million in medical costs and productivity losses. A more severe outbreak could cost over $1 billion, with increased risks of birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
A study by University of Louisville researchers found that Medicaid expansion in Kentucky significantly benefited those living in poverty, particularly children. The expansion reduced the state's uninsured rate and improved access to healthcare, with the most notable effects seen in areas with high poverty concentrations.
A modest increase in children's physical activity could avoid $21.9 billion in medical costs and result in 340,000 fewer obese and overweight youth, according to new research. This would also lead to a reduction of over four percent in obesity rates among eight- to 11-year-olds.
Researchers found that hospitals with better mortality rates receive lower Medicare payments, while those with higher readmission rates receive higher average payments. Health IT usage is positively associated with higher Medicare reimbursements due to improved efficiency in insurance claims.
The LifeCourse model, integrating palliative care principles, positively affects patients' quality of life and medical costs. Allina Health is addressing limited resources by implementing care guides in existing care teams.
A study published in CMAJ found that team-based primary care practices in Quebec had lower rates of emergency department visits and death among older or chronically ill patients after hospital discharge. The researchers attributed this to better coordination of care, which reduces hospital readmission and death.
Repeated C. difficile infections are associated with higher death rates, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs in Scotland. The study found that patients with recurrent infections had more than double the risk of dying within two months of admission.
Researchers at UCLA found conscious sedation is a safe option for heart valve procedures, with shorter ICU and hospital stays, lower direct costs, and similar adverse event rates. The study suggests patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement should receive conscious sedation whenever possible.
The Trump administration can fundamentally transform a fragmented and expensive healthcare system by putting patients first. Dr. Stephen K. Klasko offers 12 recommendations for true transformation, urging the president to embrace change.
A new survey reveals that many patients in Connecticut struggle to understand their private health insurance plans, leading to delays in care and unexpected medical bills. The study highlights the need for simplified language and increased education to address health disparities among minority groups.
A new study by Queen's University researcher Susan Brogly found that 25% of women suffering from prenatal opioid dependence were not being treated for their addiction. This is a concerning finding, as it can lead to poor birth outcomes and increased healthcare costs.
A Yale study warns that if federal funding for CHIP is not extended, over 8 million children could face substantial cost increases in health insurance. Children with chronic conditions are most vulnerable to these cost increases.
A review of studies suggests substituting nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses for physicians can achieve comparable patient outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, satisfaction, and quality of life. However, more research is needed to confirm the cost-effectiveness and quality of healthcare.
A new study estimates that traumatic brain injuries in emergency departments had a total cost of $945 million over the lifetimes of those patients. Medical treatments and lost productivity accounted for $292 million and $653 million, respectively.
A new study found that comprehensive pharmacist care can improve health outcomes and save significant money for Canada's healthcare system. The research estimates that full scope pharmacist care could prevent over 130,000 strokes, 260,000 heart attacks, and save nearly a million years of life.
Women pursuing IVF are more likely to give birth if they have health insurance that covers the procedure, according to research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association. Without coverage, financial constraints often prohibit women from seeking additional treatments after an initial failure.
A study found that hospitalized patients value complementary treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy, perceiving them helpful. Across various therapies, 33-71% of patients expressed willingness to pay out-of-pocket for these services.
A new supplement published in Neurosurgery highlights the need for neurosurgeons to evolve their practices to thrive in an evolving environment. Dr. Dong H. Kim's recommendations focus on improving patient satisfaction, reducing costs, and enhancing quality outcomes through quality improvement initiatives and innovative approaches.
The study found that freestanding emergency departments charge significantly higher prices than urgent care centers, with average costs ranging from $1,351 for common diagnoses to $2,199. This can lead to substantial out-of-pocket costs for patients and increased health care costs for insurers.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 $5,016 less in total costs.
The total economic cost of smoking was US$ 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.