Articles tagged with Health Care 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Underpriced policies and the absence of young, healthy individuals in insurance risk pools are driving up premiums. Insurers like Aetna face significant losses, prompting rate hikes and withdrawals from the marketplaces. The long-term consequences threaten the sustainability of the Affordable Care Act.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that unvaccinated adults contribute to $7.1 billion in healthcare costs, accounting for 80% of vaccine-preventable disease expenses in 2015.
A study found that Medicaid expansion in 2014 led to a decline of $2.8 million in average annual uncompensated care costs per hospital, while increasing Medicaid revenue by $3.2 million annually. Hospitals in states with Medicaid expansion also experienced improved excess margins, but not operating margins.
A new study finds that breast cancer chemotherapy regimens with similar efficacy have significantly varying costs, affecting patients' financial burden. The study highlights the need for accessible information to inform treatment decisions and promote well-informed shared decisions regarding treatment options.
A new study from MD Anderson found substantial variation in the costs of breast cancer treatment for different chemotherapy regimens, with varying prices by up to $20,354. The researchers suggest that informed choice of chemotherapy could impact costs nationally by $1 billion annually.
The University of Illinois-led project aims to calculate the economic benefits of urban forestry on health care costs. It will use Kaiser Permanente data to examine the relationship between green spaces and health expenditures among over 4 million members.
A new survey tool, COST, measures a patient's risk for financial stress and ability to tolerate it. The study identified employment status, household income, and psychological distress as key factors contributing to financial toxicity.
A new study reveals significant variation in care costs for patients with the same surgery complication, with high-cost hospitals often having higher rates of complications. Medicare payments for rescued patients at high-cost hospitals were two- to three-fold higher than at low-cost hospitals.
A study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of prosthetic interventions for transtibial amputees, finding that they can reduce healthcare burden and improve quality of life despite higher initial costs. The analysis suggests that prosthetic use can lead to lower overall costs by decreasing utilization and adverse events.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found significant variation in Medicare expenditures for treating surgical complications across hospitals. High-cost hospitals charged 2- to 3-fold more than low-cost ones, despite similar rates of failure to rescue and overall mortality.
A comprehensive set of reference values for handgrip strength is provided, enabling practitioners to identify individuals at risk of premature death and disease. The study builds on previous research, showing that handgrip strength corresponds with markers of age, such as mortality, disability, and cognitive decline.
A new study estimates that invasive insects globally incur at least US$70 billion in annual costs to goods and services, while also resulting in significant health expenses. The researchers stress that these figures are likely underestimates due to the lack of research on the topic in many regions.
A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found that activity trackers alone or with rewards did not increase physical activity levels. However, those who received cash rewards showed significant increases in activity. The benefits of tracking were short-lived, and participants returned to their previous activity levels after the incentives...
A comprehensive review of studies on alternative management strategies for low-risk acute medical conditions found that all four evaluated approaches are safe, improve patient satisfaction, and reduce healthcare costs. However, some exceptions were noted, including higher-than-anticipated return hospitalization rates for certain condit...
A pair of experts, Mark Fendrick and Michael Chernew, propose altering consumer cost-sharing in health insurance plans to make services more affordable based on individual patient and provider factors. They suggest changes to IRS rules, Medicare plan design, and encouraging value-based cost-sharing to promote high-value clinical services.
A study found that implementing an analytic tool to allocate clinical care costs and quality measures led to significant improvements in value of care for three designated outcomes. The program resulted in reduced costs and improved quality, with notable decreases in hospitalist laboratory testing and sepsis management.
A new analysis by Case Western Reserve University found that testing backlogged sexual assault kits can prevent future sexual assaults and save victims millions of dollars. The study estimates that serial sexual offenders are more common than previously thought, with a 25% recidivism rate among rapists.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that patients who had major surgery at high-quality hospitals in the US cost Medicare less than those who had surgery at low-quality hospitals. The difference was driven primarily by lower use of post-acute care services.