Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A new Stanford study outlines a plan to convert California's all-purpose energy infrastructure to renewable energy by 2050. The plan could create tens of thousands of jobs and save billions in pollution-related health costs while reducing air pollution mortality and global warming emissions.
The AP-NORC Center's national survey reveals that Americans prioritize doctor-patient interactions and personality traits over care effectiveness when choosing a doctor. Overwhelming majorities support public reporting requirements to improve healthcare quality, but many struggle to find trustworthy information.
A study found that lower income populations have consistently had lower rates of living donation compared to higher income populations. The difference in living donation rates between lower and higher income populations has become larger over time, implying a need for more effective strategies to overcome financial barriers.
A study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that hour-long home coaching sessions and follow-up phone calls reduced re-admission odds by 39% among Medicare patients. The average cost of care was also reduced by $3,700 per patient.
Research published in Tobacco Control finds that people with mental health issues who smoke incur significant economic costs due to premature death, lost productivity, and healthcare expenses. The total estimated annual cost is around £2.5 billion, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to help this group quit smoking.
A new study outlines opportunities to reduce healthcare costs through the use of big data. Researchers highlight five key areas: high-cost patients, readmissions, triage, decompensation, and adverse events. By analyzing large datasets, clinicians can identify high-risk patients, predict readmissions, and optimize treatment for chronic ...
A new study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and UNAIDS found that scaling up HIV services can achieve substantially lower unit-costs per patient. Integrating these services with other healthcare services, such as tuberculosis treatment, can lead to better value for money.
The American College of Physicians recommends against routine pelvic exams for asymptomatic, average-risk women due to low diagnostic accuracy and potential harms. The guideline suggests that pelvic exams are appropriate only for women with symptoms or certain risk factors.
Researchers used large-scale patient data analytics to predict future risk of metabolic syndrome, identifying individual variable impact on risk associated with adherence to prescribed medications and routine doctor visits. The study also found that improving waist circumference and blood glucose yielded the largest benefits.
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that deploying a small number of skilled midwives in the world's poorest nations could prevent over a quarter of maternal, fetal, and infant deaths worldwide. Increasing midwife coverage to 60% by 2015 could save nearly 2.3 million mothers and babies.
Researchers found that providing in-hospital counseling and post-care support can lead to significant health system savings while increasing the number of quitters. The Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC) was shown to be a cost-effective intervention, generating benefits in terms of reduced hospital readmissions and deaths.
A new study reveals that musculoskeletal conditions are associated with significantly higher healthcare costs, even when compared to chronic diseases. The study found that the presence of a musculoskeletal condition was accountable for an additional 36% of healthcare costs in individuals with multiple morbidities.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania estimates that lifetime costs for autism spectrum disorder can range from $1.4 million to $2.4 million per patient in the US and UK. The study found that costs are significantly higher for individuals with intellectual disabilities, with a lifetime cost of $2.4 million in the US.
A US study found that prostate cancer surgery costs varied greatly among hospitals, with a 13-fold price difference. The study also highlighted the lack of transparency in hospital pricing, making it difficult for consumers to compare costs.
A two-year study found that using alcohol-impregnated caps reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) by 68%, with 80% of infections related to inadequate hub cleaning. This simple intervention saved over $1 million in hospital costs, making it an easy addition to infection prevention strategies.
UK researchers are developing new materials to create artificial corneas and contact lenses that can be manufactured in an environmentally friendly way. The project aims to reduce the financial impact of vision loss on individuals and the economy, with potential breakthroughs in treating age-related macular degeneration.
Researchers analyzed the cost-effectiveness of electric school buses that discharge their batteries into the electrical grid when not in use. Over 14 years, a V2G-capable electric bus fleet could save an estimated $38 million compared to diesel buses.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) result in significantly higher costs for patients at Veterans Affairs hospitals, with average costs increasing by 43% compared to those without SSIs. The greatest SSI-related costs are observed among neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery patients.
A cost-saving, coordinated brain care model developed by Indiana University researchers is attracting nationwide attention for its ability to improve health outcomes and quality of care while lowering costs. The ABC model, tested in large clinical trials, improves care at a lower cost than standard care.
A randomized study found that home testing of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) followed by initiation of CPAP therapy reduced costs compared to in-lab testing, without compromising clinical outcomes. The study showed significant cost savings of $564 over 2.75 years, making home management a viable option.
The NHS prescription charge is outdated and unfair, say the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Many exemptions are illogical and adding to the tax on medicines, it argues. Several alternative arrangements have been suggested, including a dispensing fee for patients.
A recent study found that obesity is associated with longer hospital stays and higher costs for total knee replacement patients, regardless of comorbidities. The study analyzed data from over 8,000 patients and found that every 5-unit increase in BMI beyond 30 kg/m² resulted in higher hospitalization costs and longer hospital stays.
A Mayo Clinic review of 47 studies found that complex, patient-centered interventions can reduce 30-day readmissions by almost 40%. These interventions include in-person visits to patients' homes after discharge to assess their living environment and needs.
A new study found that individuals recently released from prison or on parole have a significantly increased risk of visiting hospitals and emergency departments. The study suggests potential cost savings if preventive care can be provided through timely access to health insurance coverage.
A new study analyzing Michigan hospital data found that Medicaid patients who underwent surgery had twice as many health risk factors, more emergency operations, and two-thirds more complications than those with private insurance. They also used 50% more hospital resources.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that implementing a uniform method to care for lower-risk cardiac surgical patients reduces hospital time by 15% and lowers overall costs by 15%. The new model sets clear expectations for hospital care, improves patient experiences, and reduces variability in costs and outcomes.
A comprehensive study reveals that rising treatment costs account for 70% of growth in health care spending, with modest increases in disease cases having a minimal impact. The research emphasizes the need to focus on slowing down spending on procedures and treatments.
The report ranks states based on 42 health care measures, showing that only a few states improved on most indicators, while many lost ground. Despite improvements in some areas, the overall pace of change was slow, with wide gaps persisting among states.
A study of over 93,000 patients found that complications from kidney stone treatments require hospitalization or emergency care for one in seven patients. The procedures were shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with costs ranging from $32,000 to $47,000.
Pediarix is the most cost-effective combination vaccine, but Pentacel's sales are higher due to overlooked factors. Health care providers often overlook extra immunizations required for certain vaccines.
The American College of Physicians has launched a High Value Care Coordination Toolkit to improve communication between primary care doctors and gastroenterologists. The toolkit includes data sets and guidelines for referrals, aiming to reduce unnecessary tests and delays in care.
The Affordable Care Act's expansion could lead to modest cost reductions in automobile and workers' compensation insurance, while medical malpractice coverage might increase. The study's findings highlight the need for businesses and policymakers to understand how their risk profiles may change under the ACA.
The Brain Health Registry aims to create a ready pool of research subjects for studies on neurological diseases, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Volunteers will provide personal history and take online neuropsychological tests, helping scientists analyze brain functions over time.
A study evaluated the role of evidence in selecting medical services for 'Top 5' lists, revealing that cost was a primary factor in justifying inclusion. The study found that specialty societies often relied on higher costs to justify services with similar benefits but more expensive options.
An analysis of childhood obesity estimates lifetime medical costs at $19,000 per child and $12,900 when considering adult weight gain, totaling $14 billion for obese US children aged 10.
A healthy diet may improve health outcomes in older adults, reducing hospital stays, but increases spending on outpatient services and preventive care. The study highlights the need for nutrition policies that address socioeconomic disparities.
A Rutgers report reveals young adults in low-income communities increasingly seek emergency department dental care, causing access and cost concerns. The study suggests expanding dentist office hours, implementing emergency department diversion programs, and increasing awareness among vulnerable populations to address these issues.
A study at a large academic community hospital system found that an increasing workload for hospitalists was associated with increased length of stay and costs, despite not affecting mortality or patient satisfaction. The results suggest that incentives aimed at increasing workload may lead to inefficient and costly care.
Research clarifies that ammonia emissions from agricultural exports have a substantial impact on air quality, with the study estimating an annual health cost of $36 billion. The findings suggest that reducing ammonia emissions could lead to significant societal benefits, particularly in the Northeast and Great Lakes region.
A new study found that 12% of doctor visits for headaches result in unnecessary brain scans, costing around $1 billion annually. The researchers suggest better public education and insurance plan designs could reduce unnecessary use and spending on scans.
A RAND Corporation study found that better continuity of care for patients with diabetes, congestive heart failure, or emphysema leads to significant reductions in hospital emergency department visits and hospitalizations. This improvement can result in substantial cost savings for Medicare, up to $1.5 billion per year.
Researchers identified distinct brain activity profiles when making cost-benefit decisions about drinking alcohol. The study used fMRI to examine how the brain weighs pros and cons of drinking, revealing a neural signature associated with ambivalence between cost and benefits.
Patients who received assistance from poison centers had shorter hospital stays and lower hospital charges. The study found a cumulative decrease of $2,078 in hospital charges per 10 patients.
A new blood test detects specific genes activated in individuals with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), excluding diagnosis without imaging studies. This approach reduces healthcare costs and may improve patient outcomes by minimizing invasive tests.
A new RAND Corporation report assesses value-based purchasing programs and finds mixed results on improving quality and reducing costs. Newer payment models like ACOs and bundled payments face challenges in designing strong financial incentives for change.
A new study suggests that self-administration of the flu vaccine via a microneedle patch could be feasible and increase vaccination rates. The study found that nearly all participants were able to accurately apply the patches, with significant increases in willingness to receive the vaccine.
A three-year pilot of medical homes showed few improvements in care quality and no reductions in hospital visits or costs. Despite adopting new capabilities, most practices did not see significant reductions in healthcare utilization or total costs.
A large-scale trial found that a patient-centered medical home program had limited impact on quality of care, but did not reduce hospital or emergency department use. The study measured outcomes in 32 participating primary care practices and compared them to 29 control practices.
The study found that traveling to donor hospitals for organ procurement reduced travel time from eight hours to two hours and saved 37% on organ recovery costs. The use of free-standing organ recovery centers significantly improved the efficiency of deceased donor organ transplantation.
A new study led by Michigan Medicine researcher Sara Pasquali found that the cost of care for children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgical repair varies as much as nine times across US hospitals. Hospitals with higher case volumes have lower costs, but also higher rates of post-operative complications and longer hospital ...
A special issue of Medical Care presents updates from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Multiple Chronic Conditions Research Network. The research highlights the importance of behavioral health issues in MCC care and identifies priorities for future research, including improved treatment guidelines and methods.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered a method to increase broccoli's anti-cancer properties while prolonging its shelf life. The combined application of methyl jasmonate and 1-methylcyclopropene increased the presence of cancer-fighting agents in broccoli, while reducing ethylene levels that cause decay.
A new study reveals that Greece's health system is deteriorating due to severe austerity measures, leading to a rise in infectious diseases and mental health issues. The country has experienced significant cuts to its healthcare budget, resulting in reduced access to medical care for many patients.
Cancer doctors can cut costs without risk to patients by improving end-of-life care, reducing unnecessary medical imaging, and negotiating lower prices for new cancer drugs. These changes can save billions of dollars in healthcare spending while maintaining quality of life.
A new study shows that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) can significantly reduce health care utilization and costs, with improvements seen in 86% of patients after just three sessions. The treatment resulted in an average cost savings of over $200 per patient in the six months following treatment.
Research highlights the challenges faced by UK hospitals in adopting electronic health record systems due to underestimated costs. The study identified four key cost categories: infrastructure, personnel, estates/facilities, and other expenses, which are often cut back during implementation.
The study found that patients with lower extremity joint replacement had the lowest hospital readmission rate (5.8%), while those with debility had the highest (18.8%). Higher motor and cognitive ratings were associated with lower readmission rates across all six categories.
The study estimates cumulative healthcare expenditures and lost productivity due to WNV disease have been substantially underestimated. Hospitalized cases of WNV disease have cost a cumulative $778 million in health care expenditures and lost productivity.
Pharmacies sell cigarettes despite being a leading cause of preventable death; CVS Caremark's decision aims to reduce smoking prevalence through eliminating tobacco product sales. The move aligns with efforts to strengthen the role of pharmacies in promoting health and could spark other retailers to follow suit.
Researchers examined the successes of connected health initiatives, such as Kaiser Permanente's integration of technology into patient care and the use of mobile phones to manage diabetes. They also found that facilities adopting telemedicine could reduce hospitalizations and costs by $120,000 annually.