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.
A Swedish study shows that implementing Fracture Liaison Services can prevent a significant number of fractures, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. The model predicts a reduction in fractures by 50% among patients identified with bone mineral testing, resulting in 19 quality-adjusted life years saved.
The study found that increased use of minimally invasive surgery for common procedures can reduce post-operative complications and save $280-$340 million a year in healthcare costs. By adopting more minimally invasive procedures, hospitals can prevent thousands of complications and reduce hospital stays.
A Mayo Clinic study found that frequent attendance at work site wellness centers led to significant weight loss and healthcare cost savings. Members who visited the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center (DAHLC) more than 360 times were 72% more likely to experience weight loss, with corresponding reductions in healthcare costs.
Existing health information exchange studies show little to no correlation between their use and improved patient care outcomes. Researchers found that high-quality evidence linking HIE adoption to clear benefits is scarce, with most studies having methodological limitations.
A new study finds that routine bisphosphonate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of additional fractures in women over 65 who sustain a distal radius fracture, but at an estimated lifetime cost of $19.5 billion.
States expanding Medicaid under ACA see 23% increase in newly diagnosed diabetes patients compared to non-expansion states. Early detection can prevent complications and improve quality of life for those with diabetes.
A study by RAND Corporation and American Medical Association found that physician practices need help adapting to new payment models, which can improve quality and reduce costs. The report suggests that operational details of alternative payment models can either support or hinder practices' efforts to improve their processes.
A study by MIT economist Ernst Berndt and colleagues found that the prices of leading cancer drugs increased by 10% annually from 1995 to 2013, even after adjusting for inflation and incremental health benefits. The researchers suggest that rising prices reflect a greater social tolerance for significant healthcare costs.
A new study reveals the significant economic impact of diabetes globally, with high healthcare costs and lost wages in various countries. The review highlights the burden on individuals, families, and societies, especially in low- and middle-income nations where people with diabetes face limited access to affordable care.
A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that implementing a universal public drug plan could reduce Canada's spending on prescription drugs by $7.3 billion per year, while employers and unions could save an additional $8.2 billion. This cost savings is attributed to economies of scale in price negotiation...
A study comparing CT angiography and functional stress tests found similar clinical outcomes and minimal cost differences over three years. The tests had the same rate of death, heart attacks, and hospitalizations, despite initial cost savings from CT angiography.
The Desyre architecture has been shown to reduce hospital costs and replacement rates of medical devices by using 28% less energy and 48% less chip area. This is achieved while offering a nine times lower hardware failure rate, making it an extremely reliable design for critical applications.
A new study estimates that endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure in the European Union costs around €157 billion ($209 billion) each year, mainly due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses. The estimated cost burden includes conditions such as lowered IQ, male infertility, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Adults with eczema experience significantly increased healthcare utilization and costs, with estimated annual out-of-pocket costs of $37.7 billion. Eczema patients also face challenges in accessing care, including delayed appointments and unaffordable prescription medications.
A new Duke University study estimates that a gallon of gasoline costs around $3.80 more than the pump price when health and environment are factored in. The social cost of diesel is about $4.80 more, while natural gas becomes cheaper than its initial price. Solar and wind power also become cheaper.
A global review of health issues highlights the UK's National Health Service (NHS) reduced spending on low-value procedures, while sub-Saharan Africans rate their health among the lowest in the world. The study also suggests that US cancer care may provide less value compared to Western Europe.
Research at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health finds that income inequality affects worker health, with stagnant wages and increased healthcare costs contributing to high stress, cardiovascular disease, and lower life expectancy. The study highlights the need for policies addressing workplace conditions and improving working-class h...
A new study finds people with disabilities have unmet medical needs and poorer overall health, emphasizing the need for recognition as a health disparity group. This could lead to improved access to healthcare, increased data on the disabled population, and enhanced emergency preparedness.
The study assesses the value of care provided by Partners for Kids, a pediatric Accountable Care Organization (ACO), from 2008 to 2013. Results show that PFK reduced growth in healthcare costs compared to Medicaid fee-for-service programs and managed care plans.
A study of 5,050 patient-clinician encounters found that only 1% were clinically inappropriate, and physicians complied with fewer than 1 in 10 requests. The findings challenge the myth of the 'demanding patient' and suggest a need to redirect attention from unnecessary costs.
The RAND Corporation suggests that studies evaluating health information technology should consider both costs and benefits, as well as the long-term implications of adoption. The proposed standards aim to provide a more robust picture of the technology's impact on patients, providers, and payers.
A new protocol for colorectal surgical care has been shown to decrease hospital stays by 2.2 days, reduce complications by 17%, and increase patient satisfaction with pain control by 55%. The approach also results in significant cost savings of up to $7,129 per patient.
Two-thirds of primary care health professionals want to widen exemption criteria for long-term conditions and lower or abolish charges altogether. The current system is seen as a barrier that prevents some people from receiving necessary prescriptions.
A new study published in JAMA found that hospital report cards had no effect on surgical safety, including death rates, complications, readmissions, and costs. The study analyzed data from over 1 million Medicare patients and suggested that reporting data back to hospitals is not enough to improve quality.
Hay fever sufferers can benefit from state-of-the-science treatments like sublingual immunotherapy. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends this treatment for patients with specific allergies who don't respond to other treatments, with a completion period of up to five years. Other key recommendations include diagnosing and t...
Researchers at Drexel University found that hospital-based violence intervention programs can prevent violent reinjury and perpetration, reduce aggressive behaviors, and improve employment and education outcomes. These programs are estimated to save tens of thousands to $4 million in costs over five years.
A Canadian study found that early invasive strategy using coronary angiography and interventions reduced costs and hospital stays for high-risk and low-risk patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. The study analyzed data from 479 patients, showing savings of $2,938 per patient compared to delayed strategies.
A study of critically ill patients found that chlorhexidine bathing did not decrease the incidence of health care-associated infections. The study involved over 9,300 patients and found no significant difference between groups in infection rates, suggesting that such bathing may not be necessary.
A new study reveals that households affected by leprosy face significant financial burdens due to loss of earnings and treatment costs. The study found that patients with Erythema Nodosum Leprosum, a complication of leprosy, incurred losses equivalent to almost a third of their income.
A recent study published in BMC Health Services Research estimates that medical billing paperwork and insurance-related red tape cost the US economy approximately $471 billion in 2012. The researchers suggest that adopting a simplified, single-payer system of financing health care could result in savings of at least $375 billion annually.
A new BIDMC study suggests that physicians are increasingly ordering advanced imaging and referring specialists for routine headaches, rather than counseling patients on lifestyle changes. This trend has significant consequences, including unnecessary patient anxiety and follow-up testing.
Psoriasis affects 3.2% of the US population, with annual costs ranging from $51.7 billion to $135 billion, including direct healthcare costs, absenteeism, and intangible effects on mental health.
A review article estimates the annual US cost of psoriasis in 2013 to be between $112 billion and $135 billion. The study found direct costs ranging from $51.7 billion to $63.2 billion, while indirect costs due to absenteeism or reduced work capacity ranged from $23.9 billion to $35.4 billion.
A new study by Ruopeng An found that smokers and the obese incur substantially higher annual health care costs compared to their peers. Out-of-pocket medical expenses, inpatient and outpatient care, emergency room visits, and prescription drugs contribute to these added expenditures.
Elderly ICU patients who develop infections are 35% more likely to die within five years. Effective infection prevention programs can extend life by up to 15.55 years and reduce costs by over $150,000 per patient.
A study published in JAMA found that the High Risk Children's Clinic reduced serious illnesses by 55% and total costs by $16,523 per child per year compared to usual care. The clinic provided comprehensive care with an emphasis on prompt and effective treatment.
A randomized clinical trial found that comprehensive care for high-risk children with chronic illness reduced the number of serious illnesses by 55% and total hospital and clinic costs per child-year. The study suggests that medical homes can be a cost-effective option for these patients.
Reducing emergency surgery for common procedures like abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and coronary artery bypass graft can save healthcare costs. Elective surgeries result in lower mortality rates and better patient outcomes compared to emergency surgeries.
The Perioperative Surgical Home model significantly improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs through coordinated care. Studies found PSH models reduced cancellations, complications, readmissions, and hospital stays.
A study found that current magazines, especially gossipy ones, are more prone to disappearance from waiting rooms. Non-gossipy magazines remained intact, and their loss was often linked to cost savings.
Doubling breastfeeding duration for 7-18 months can save the NHS at least £31 million, while doubling neonatal unit breastfeeding rates saves an extra £6 million. Helping existing mothers extend breastfeeding periods is key to achieving these cost savings.
A RAND Corporation review found that few health information exchanges have been evaluated, despite significant investments. The relatively few examined exchanges show some evidence of reducing emergency department costs and usage, but outcomes are unknown.
Researchers estimate that universal preconception care for pregnant women with diabetes can avert an estimated $5.5 billion in health expenditures and lost employment productivity over their children's lifetimes. Effective care could also help mitigate significant complications such as preterm deliveries, birth defects, and perinatal d...
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health estimates that obesity-attributable absenteeism among US workers costs the nation more than $8 billion annually, with state-level costs ranging from $14.4 million in Wisconsin to $907 million in California.
A new study reveals a 48% increase in direct and indirect costs associated with diabetes over five years, with prediabetes costs rising 74% and undiagnosed diabetes costs increasing 82%. The growing burden of prediabetes highlights the need for prevention and early intervention.
A new report from the University of Washington shows that Washington families must spend 46% more on average to make ends meet today than 13 years ago. The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Washington State 2014 found that median wages increased just 21 percent during that time, while costs jumped as much as 72 percent.
The Affordable Care Act has led to improved health care access for Kentucky's lowest-income residents, with 413,000 people gaining medical coverage. Residents are now able to seek non-urgent medical attention and receive guideline-based care, reducing financial stress.
Researchers studied 30,670 patients undergoing heart surgery across 27 hospitals and found that the lowest-cost hospitals had significantly lower mortality rates, shorter lengths of stay, and fewer post-operative complications. These findings suggest that initiatives improving quality of care may also reduce costs for this population.
Children who receive a heart transplant quickly are predicted to have better quality-adjusted survival rates, even if they have antibodies that may attack the new heart. Transplanting with the first suitable heart is also cheaper than waiting for a better-matched organ.
A Rutgers study reveals that 75 percent of patients with at least four hospital stays between 2008-2011 were diagnosed with one or more behavioral health conditions. The study also found that 40 percent of preventable inpatient hospitalizations were associated with behavioral health conditions.
A randomized clinical trial found that perineal self-acupressure helped participants break up hard stools, relax muscles, and stimulate nerves responsible for bowel movements. 72% of patients reported improvement in their constipation symptoms after performing the technique for four weeks.
Physicians urge policy-makers to address care gaps due to misalignment of reimbursement policies and clinical guidelines. Newer blood-thinning agents like DOACs are safer and more effective than traditional warfarin, yet government funders restrict access.
A recent study forecasts the immense economic cost of osteoporotic fractures in China, expected to double by 2035 and reach $25.58 billion by 2050 due to an aging population.
A study found that Medicare patients with poor-prognosis cancers who received hospice care had significantly lower rates of hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and invasive procedures at the end of life. Hospice beneficiaries also had lower health care expenditures during the last year of life.
The number of Alzheimer's patients is expected to more than double in 40 years, while annual per-person costs will nearly quintuple from $71,000 in 2010. Delaying onset can reduce the prevalence and costs of the disease.
Researchers develop two swallowing techniques to ease pill swallowing in patients with and without difficulties. Continuity of care is associated with reduced mortality, morbidity, and healthcare expenses in patients with chronic conditions.
A new study recommends five steps for businesses and Americans to benefit from workplace disease prevention programs. The program could positively influence the health of 155 million working-age Americans while financially benefiting their employers by reducing healthcare costs.
A study by a University of Kansas professor found that black and Hispanic children were significantly underrepresented in autism identification rates from 2000 to 2007, despite the overall increase in diagnoses. This disparity may reflect unequal access to services and diagnosis, with white students receiving more intensive supports.
A new analysis of NLST results concludes that CT lung screening is cost-effective in aging smokers, but its implementation will depend on various factors. The ratio of costs per quality-adjusted life-year added was $81,000, below the $100,000 threshold.
Researchers found that proton therapy costs comparable to traditional radiation therapies, challenging the assumption that it's more expensive. The study suggests that insurance coverage should be considered, enabling patients to participate in clinical research.