Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
Dr. Alan Sager presents a guide to thorough healthcare reform in the US, citing high costs and inadequate insurance coverage as major issues. He proposes solutions such as containing costs safely, insuring all Americans, and securing adequate pay for doctors and hospitals.
A new study reveals that population aging is the largest contributor to musculoskeletal disorders globally, accounting for approximately one third of countries and territories. The research highlights the need for targeted public health strategies and healthcare resource allocation to alleviate the burden of these disorders.
As states prepare to implement work requirements for Medicaid expansion, a University of Michigan health care researcher emphasizes the need for key actions to protect enrollees with chronic conditions. Ayanian's guidance includes steps for healthcare providers and organizations to ensure individuals do not lose coverage if they qualify.
A new white paper from the USC Schaeffer Center recommends FDA reforms to streamline clinical trials, provide clearer guidance on newer technologies, and improve agency efficiency. This could reduce development time and costs, pushing down prices and improving patient access.
Researchers found a significant association between financial toxicity and worse emotional and physical well-being among cancer patients. Financial toxicity, which includes stress, expense, and instability caused by healthcare costs, can have far-reaching consequences, including psychological distress and lower quality of life.
Even modest reductions in PrEP coverage result in thousands of avoidable HIV infections. The study estimates billions of dollars in increases in net health care costs due to these reductions.
A new study found that the end of COVID-era federal funding led to a significant increase in uninsured children visiting emergency departments in Texas, with 45.2% more visits than before. The share of commercially insured patients also rose 12.5%, while Medicaid-insured visits declined by 11.7%.
Duke-NUS Medical School is sharpening its focus on population health, driven by the need to address rising healthcare costs and chronic diseases in Singapore. The Health Services Research and Population Health (HSRPH) Programme aims to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions that improve patient outcomes and inform national policies.
A study found that loneliness incurs an extra £850 in annual healthcare costs to the NHS, as well as experiencing worse mental and physical health. Loneliness affects health more significantly in younger adulthood and later life.
A global study surveyed 14,000 patients across 43 countries, finding that those in poorer health were more likely to reject AI. Patients preferred explainable AI and wanted clinicians to make final decisions.
A study by the University of Exeter found that loneliness is associated with increased healthcare costs, mental distress, and poor physical and mental functioning. Younger adults and older adults are particularly affected, with a U-shaped relationship between age and cost of loneliness observed.
A new University of Michigan study found that critically ill patients without health insurance are less likely to receive inter-hospital transfers for treatment, leading to higher mortality rates. Patients with commercial insurance have a significantly lower risk of death compared to those without insurance or with Medicare/Medicaid.
A recent study found that large portions of obesity-related conditions in US adolescents and young adults are attributable to obesity. Treating and preventing obesity may reduce these conditions and associated costs. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing childhood obesity to prevent future health issues.
A cross-sectional study found that Asian, Black, and Hispanic transgender beneficiaries have high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions. These disparities are attributed to the intersection of gender, race, and ethnicity, highlighting the need for targeted support.
A new cross-national study finds that older adults with disabilities are less likely to receive preventive care, but higher government health spending closes the gap. Investing in public healthcare promotes equitable access to preventive services, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new article by Dr. Leonard Berry of Texas A&M University argues that values-driven listening can improve care and heal the healthcare system. The authors identify six types of listening, including proximate, curious, earning trust, aided by design, empowering, and fostering resilience, which contribute to better care.
A new study by Michigan Medicine University of Michigan researchers concludes that broad COVID-19 vaccination in adults saves the US more money than it spends, with significant economic benefits for those over 65 and middle-aged adults. The model focuses on preventing deaths, hospitalizations, and lost productivity.
The book explores innovative computing technologies transforming healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and monitoring. It covers topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, wearable devices, and real-time communication systems.
A large study found that Medicare beneficiaries with multiple sclerosis who received broader coverage of MS treatments had significantly lower risk of developing new or worsening symptoms. Researchers warn that formulary exclusions for specialty drugs could lead to worse health outcomes.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum suggests that Medicare could save $3.6 billion annually by eliminating or reducing low-value tests and procedures for patients who do not benefit from them. This reduction in unnecessary care could also result in $800 million less in out-of-pocket costs for older adults.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers found that taking blood thinners like warfarin does not significantly increase the risk of brain bleeding after blunt head trauma, contradicting previous assumptions. In fact, patients with poorly controlled warfarin activity had the highest bleeding risk.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that high levels of social infrastructure are associated with healthier communities. Communities with higher levels of social, human, and cultural capital also had better health outcomes.
A recent study found that patients with type 2 diabetes experience worse financial outcomes, including below-prime credit scores and medical debt in collections. Nearly two-thirds of diabetes patients were estimated to have an adverse financial outcome, compared to half of other patients. The findings highlight the importance of screen...
A new study found that B.C.'s universal, no-cost coverage policy led to a significant increase in the use of long-acting reversible contraception among reproductive-aged women. The study tracked nearly 860,000 women and discovered that cost was a major barrier to accessing effective birth control methods like IUDs and implants.
The study uses systems modeling to analyze potential trade-offs of proposed NIH cuts, considering implications for long-term biomedical research and public health. The results suggest that funding policies must consider systemic interactions beyond immediate budgetary impacts.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that up to 40% of hospital transfers from nursing homes can be avoided. The study identified common medical conditions linked to unnecessary hospitalizations, including feeding tube complications and urinary tract infections.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus shows that free, open-source AI tools can help doctors report medical scans just as well as more expensive commercial systems without compromising patient privacy. The research highlights a promising and cost-effective alternative to widely known tools like ChatGPT.
Patients with common cancers face significant out-of-pocket costs after diagnosis, with the most advanced cases having the highest expenses. Further research is needed to understand the clinical and financial implications of these costs.
A study analyzed the campaign by Partnership for America's Health Care Future, a private health industry lobby group, and found it used similar marketing strategies as unhealthy commodity industries to manufacture doubt about universal healthcare policies. The campaign received millions of views on Meta platforms and targeted specific ...
A study found that automated insulin delivery pumps improved quality of life and reduced diabetes-related complications, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of 11,184 euros per quality-adjusted life-year. The technology is now supported for patients with type 1 diabetes in Finland.
A new study reveals that at least 160 million patients annually are unable to receive surgery, with LMICs bearing the brunt of the crisis. The report emphasizes the need for urgent investment and highlights key recommendations to strengthen essential services for tomorrow's needs.
A new study identifies postoperative delirium as a preventable complication affecting roughly one in 30 older adult patients, significantly increasing their risk for poor outcomes. Simple cost-effective strategies can curb downstream costs and suffering associated with this condition.
A new study found that almost all Medicaid managed care plans (MCPs) cover at least one form of naloxone, with 94% covering generic injectables or 4-mg nasal sprays. However, certain restrictions and quantity limits may prevent people from accessing this life-saving drug.
Eliminating the fee increased overall usage by 7.8 percentage points, particularly benefiting underserved populations, including non-English speakers and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Despite gains, some disparities persisted, highlighting the need for additional strategies to ensure equitable access.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
A new book written by an international team from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Oxford argues that data-driven decision-making can improve healthcare outcomes. The authors explain how analytics can be used to optimize hospital operations, manage bed allocation, and improve treatment efficiency.
A new analysis examines the effectiveness of a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) add-on code targeting infectious disease (ID) physicians. The measure aims to combat the growing shortage of ID physicians and has the potential to reset national benchmarks for ID compensation.
A new study found significant variation in COPD prevalence and burden across states and insurance types, with West Virginia topping the list at 143 cases per 1,000 insured individuals and Utah ranking last at 44. The study also revealed high mortality rates among people with COPD in several states.
Cassie, a digital-human assistant developed by Texas A&M University, is transforming the way patients interact with healthcare providers. With facial recognition and emotional intelligence, Cassie offers a two-way interaction that feels like a conversation.
Most Medicare beneficiaries will likely see their drug costs go up due to Part D plans' shifting cost-sharing burden. The new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket limit won't reach most beneficiaries, leading to higher deductibles and coinsurance for many.
A team of scientists from Colorado State University and the University of São Paulo have developed a seismological solution to improve the resolution of ultrasound images for lung monitoring. This breakthrough could lead to improved critical care for patients, including continuous lung monitoring at the bedside. The technique uses seis...
A recent survey by Ateneo de Manila University researchers highlights the challenges faced by young Filipino nursing and medicine graduates in finding stable employment and meaningful roles. Many new graduates feel lost and unsupported, with restricted hiring rules and budget ceilings forcing them to take on multiple roles without addi...
A study published in Radiology found that CT colonography is more effective and cost-effective than stool DNA testing for colorectal cancer screening, reducing incidence by 70-75% compared to 59%. CT colonography is also a cost-saving option with an estimated cost of $9,000 per QALY gained.
A new study published in JRSM Open found that healthcare workers born overseas, particularly those from Asian and Black backgrounds, are less likely to reach higher pay bands under the NHS Agenda for Change framework. This is despite education and job role being adjusted for.
A cross-sectional study found substantial cost shifting in veterans' surgical care from Medicare Advantage to Veterans Health Administration among high-veteran Medicare Advantage plans. This shift underscores the urgent need for policy reforms to improve the efficiency of veterans' care, as suggested by the findings.
A state Medigap guaranteed issue protection was associated with a higher rate of switching to traditional Medicare among newly diagnosed cancer patients. This finding suggests that these regulations can facilitate a switch, especially for those who desire more flexibility in accessing care.
Researchers developed an AI model that uses real-time data to diagnose nystagmus, a condition linked to vestibular or neurological disorders. The system allows patients to record their eye movements using a smartphone and receive remote diagnostic analysis.
A new study found that problems with accessing high-quality care were a major driver for switching Medicare Advantage plans, not cost concerns. Dissatisfaction with medical care access was more common among those in poor health, and those who enrolled in MA plans with low star ratings were also more likely to switch.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System discovered that an immune molecule called STING drives the formation of harmful plaques and protein tangles associated with Alzheimer's. Blocking STING protected lab mice from mental decline, suggesting a promising treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases.
Cessation of public water fluoridation would lead to higher rates of tooth decay and increased healthcare costs in the US. The model suggests that current safe levels of fluoride have substantial ongoing benefits.
A new study reveals that the Bolsa Família Programme has prevented more than 8.2 million hospitalisations and 713,083 deaths in Brazil between 2004 and 2019. The programme provides cash transfers to low-income families with conditions such as school attendance and vaccinations.
Researchers analyzed trends in healthcare utilization among Japan's oldest-old population aged 75 years and above during the extended COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis revealed a modest drop in medical services and outpatient visits, while healthcare costs remained stable despite decreased patient volumes.
Infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children requiring primary care led to significant societal economic costs. The study found that the main sources of costs were repeated visits to primary care physicians and parents missing work to care for their sick children, with higher costs for infants under 1 year old.
Researchers found that halving vital sign and neurological function checks in low-risk patients after acute ischemic stroke treatment does not compromise care or recovery. The approach also frees up nursing time and intensive care resources, improving hospital capacity.
A new study by researchers from Cambridge Judge Business School found that CivicaScript's HCU model can reliably supply essential generic medicines at a price that saves patients over 64% and public and private insurers over 92%. The model aims to make generic drugs accessible and affordable for all.
A study found that veterans enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use dental and vision services at a similar rate as those in traditional Medicare. MA plans spent only slightly more on these services, including emergency dental care. After accounting for private insurance coverage, the total spending on dental services was compara...
Researchers have developed a low-cost, nanotechnology-based praziquantel formulation that increases efficacy and reduces dosage for treating worms. The new formulation, requiring only half the usual dose, demonstrates greater efficacy in eliminating schistosomes than the active ingredient alone.
Retail pharmacies excluded from Medicare Part D networks faced a higher risk of closure over the past decade, with independent and minority-owned pharmacies more likely to be affected. The study found that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) were contributing to this problem by steering beneficiaries away from non-preferred pharmacies.
A new analysis predicts that reducing Medicaid access could lead to thousands of additional deaths among working-age Americans and disastrous financial burdens. The study found that eliminating the ACA provision expanding Medicaid access could drive millions to delay needed care.