Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A study by Physicians for a National Health Program finds that US hospital bureaucracy consumes a quarter of hospital budgets, driving inefficiency and diverting resources away from patient care. Single-payer reform could potentially save $150 billion annually on hospital overhead.
A new University of Michigan study found significant variation in hospital admissions for ER patients with common non-life-threatening conditions, resulting in estimated annual costs of $5 billion and $266 billion. The study analyzed data from 961 hospitals and 28.5 million emergency visits, revealing that some conditions had high rate...
A new study suggests that focusing on improving utilization rates and quality outcomes could help reduce US healthcare expenditures. Researchers analyzed Medicaid and commercial insurance claims in Vermont to evaluate the impact of patient-centered medical homes on inpatient services and cost of care.
Researchers propose taxing nearly all packaged foods and subsidizing healthier options to encourage better dietary choices. The goal is to reduce health care costs associated with diet-related illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease.
A new study finds that home monitoring of implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) has a comparable cost to traditional in-office monitoring. However, significant variations in insurance reimbursement across European countries impact the adoption of this practice.
A recent Perspective piece in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that the US may no longer need a separate, expensive VA healthcare system for its rapidly shrinking veteran population. The authors propose transitioning out of the hospital business while continuing to provide specialized services like mental health and rehabil...
A multidisciplinary program that incorporated best practices across perioperative care phases significantly reduced superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) and postoperative sepsis. The bundled approach improved patient outcomes but had no significant impact on deep SSIs, length of stay, or readmission rates.
Hot flashes are a prevalent side effect of hormone decline, causing fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and impaired memory. The study estimates that $339M in healthcare costs and $27M in lost wages can be prevented with effective treatment.
A new study found that surgery for hip fractures yields significant savings in lifetime medical costs, with total societal savings exceeding $16 billion for older patients. Surgery also improves physical function and reduces mortality risk.
Researchers found that carbon-reduction policies can lead to significant health savings, with benefits ranging from 26% to 10.5 times the cost of implementation. A transportation policy was the most expensive option, costing over $1 trillion in 2006 dollars, while a clean energy standard fell between the costs of other policies.
A new study found that overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes who lose weight through dieting and physical activity can reduce their healthcare costs by an average of over $500 per year. Those in the intensive lifestyle intervention group had fewer hospitalizations, shorter hospital stays, and used fewer prescription medications.
A UCSF study found significant price differences in common blood tests across California hospitals, with prices ranging from $35 to $7,303. Hospital ownership and teaching status explain some variation, but factors like location and labor costs do not.
A new disposable biosensor may help physicians determine which patients can safely be fed following surgery by monitoring intestinal movements. The device, AbStats, uses sound waves to measure the rate of acoustic events in the intestines, allowing doctors to make evidence-based decisions about post-operative feeding.
A study published in JAMA found that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators programmed with long-detection intervals for ventricular arrhythmias led to a reduction in hospitalization rates and lengths of stay. This strategy also resulted in lower costs, making it a cost-effective alternative to standard interval programming.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy found that community pharmacist interventions can significantly boost drug adherence rates. The project showed a 3-4% increase in medication adherence across five common medication classes, resulting in substantial cost savings for healthcare systems. By leveraging pharmaci...
A pilot program testing bundled payments for orthopedic procedures in California failed to meet its cost-saving objectives, mainly due to low participant volume and administrative burden. The study's findings highlight the need for sufficient case volume, simple bundle definitions, and financial risk management to make bundled payment ...
The Tennessee Surgical Quality Collaborative reduced surgical complications by 19.7% since 2009, saving at least 533 lives and $75.2 million in costs. The collaborative, formed in 2008, used the ACS NSQIP program to collect data and evaluate best practices.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.