Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
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The US healthcare system has shown slow improvement in outcomes despite economic success, trailing peer nations in life expectancy and disease survival. The analysis found that cost increases are driven by price of professional services, not demand for services or population aging.
Penn Medicine researcher Ezekiel J. Emanuel recommends limiting US health care cost growth to match US economy's GDP growth for improved quality of care and transformed healthcare system. The proposal involves team-based care coordination, reduced hospitalizations, and more outpatient monitoring.
The US has much higher medical costs and worse outcomes than other developed countries. A new study suggests that the increasing prices of drugs, medical devices, and hospital costs are driving the high healthcare costs in the country. Meanwhile, patients are further removed from understanding the true cost of their care.
Pregnancies with twins or higher-order multiple births cost significantly more due to increased maternal morbidities, cesarean sections, and neonatal intensive care. Strategies to minimize multiple embryo transfer are recommended to reduce the burden associated with multiple pregnancies.
Researchers at UCSF advocate empowering all team members to care for a large number of patients based on their training and abilities. They recommend expanding the scope of practice for registered nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and medical assistants to provide care for uncomplicated medical problems.
The high cost of medical education is unsustainable and must be reduced to lower the overall cost of healthcare. Currently, students graduate with debt exceeding $150,000, which may lead to a market correction if healthcare costs decline.
The EU has launched a project called WE-CARE, which aims to create a strategic plan for reducing healthcare costs in Europe. The project will be coordinated by the University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-centred Care and involves several European research institutes, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
A new study found that oral nutritional supplements decreased the probability of 30-day hospital readmission, length of stay, and costs among hospitalized Medicare patients aged 65 and over. The use of oral nutritional supplements was associated with an 8.4% reduction in 30-day readmission rates among patients with any diagnosis.
A study by Western University found that cardiac rehabilitation programs lead to a 31% reduction in hospital readmission rates and a 26% drop in cardiovascular mortality. The program's cost savings exceed $400,000 over two years, making it a financially viable option.
A new study published in Health Affairs examines the pursuit of improved physical and mental health through various initiatives, including expanding home-delivered meal programs for seniors. The study also explores the economic benefits of biosimilars and how delaying aging could increase life expectancy by an additional 2.2 years.
A team of researchers has developed a model system using fruit flies to study traumatic brain injury (TBI), revealing the genetic underpinnings of susceptibility and links to human TBI. The findings suggest that genetics play a crucial role in determining the outcome of an injury, which may explain why current TBI drugs have failed in ...
The EU's total cancer cost was estimated to be €126 billion in 2009, with health care systems accounting for two-fifths of the expenditure. Lung cancer had the highest overall cost, while breast cancer was responsible for the largest share of spending on drugs.
A Mayo Clinic study found that cataract surgery rates are rising across all age groups, with a significant increase among 70- and 80-year-olds. The demand is expected to continue, highlighting the need to manage costs and ensure access to treatment.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine found that patients with high activation levels were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. Patients with low activation had nearly twice the risk of 30-day post-discharge hospital service utilization, highlighting the need for tailored patient education.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital urologists found that while women are more prone to urinary tract infections, men are more likely to be hospitalized for treatment. The researchers discovered that older men and those with serious kidney infections were most often admitted to the hospital.
Researchers at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice found that more than half the US population lives in areas where ACOs have been established. These areas tend to have higher performance on quality measures, greater managed care penetration and lower poverty rates.
Accountable care organizations, formed by consolidating doctors and hospitals into large networks, are more common in regions with payment risk sharing at hospitals and larger integrated hospital systems. These organizations aim to improve quality and cut costs without offering lower premiums to consumers.
A randomized trial assessed whether wearing gloves and gowns for all patient contact in ICUs reduces MRSA or VRE acquisition. The study found a lower risk of MRSA acquisition alone, but no overall reduction in the composite rate of both bacteria.
A Rice University study finds that technology growth and sicker patient populations contribute significantly to rising hospital costs in Texas. The study contradicts the common assumption that uninsured patients are driving price increases, suggesting a need for greater attention to understanding cost drivers.
A Mayo Clinic study of 370 patients found that robotic mitral valve repair surgery had similar total hospital costs to conventional open-chest methods, but patients who underwent robotic repair recovered more rapidly and returned home earlier. The study also showed that systems innovations led to a significant decrease in costs over time.
A RAND Corporation study finds that out-of-pocket medical expenses will decrease for most consumers who become newly insured or change their health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Low-income people in states without expanding Medicaid may see higher health spending compared to those with expanded Medicaid.
Research found that patients with more primary care visits have lower colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates. Increasing access to primary care may reduce the national burden of CRC.
A new tool called the HARM score reliably measures quality and clinical outcomes for colon and rectal surgery patients. The score is calculated from routinely captured data elements and has a strong correlation with the quality of clinical outcomes.
Michigan's Medicaid expansion provides a unique blend of public and private sector approaches to health coverage, blending compassion with economic realities. The Healthy Michigan plan includes market-oriented reforms and provisions that limit the state budget impact if certain benchmarks aren't hit.
A nationwide Feed America study revealed that one in three low-income families had difficulty affording basic household necessities. The University of Illinois Family Resiliency Center contributed to the study by conducting interviews with food-bank clients about essential household products and strategies for obtaining them.
A CDC and Massachusetts General Hospital study finds that pretravel consultations and preventive medications can save money for both payers and most travelers. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 travelers to West Africa and found that the costs associated with contracting malaria outweighed the costs of preventive care.
A collaborative approach to information sharing on violence in Cardiff has saved £7 million in health, societal, and criminal justice costs. The programme uses anonymized data to create crime hotspot maps, targeting prevention activities more precisely.
New research published in The Lancet finds that caseload midwifery is just as safe as standard maternity care, with similar outcomes for women of any risk. Women who received caseload midwifery care had lower costs and improved breastfeeding rates.
A study of over 2,300 US medical students found that 62.1% expected debt above $150,000, with Black students facing the highest burden. The finding may help explain why matriculation among Blacks is declining despite rising Hispanic enrollment.
A recent study estimates that childhood food allergies result in substantial medical costs, including hospitalizations, doctor visits, and special diets. The overall economic burden is approximately $24.8 billion annually, affecting both families and the healthcare system.
A new study shows significant health benefits for uninsured people living in suburban areas when they receive access to primary care. After one year, participants reported improved preventive care and screenings, as well as better overall health status.
A revised Medicaid sterilization policy could remove logistical barriers, reducing unintended pregnancies by 29,000 annually and saving $215 million in public health costs. The updated policy would prioritize informed decision-making and equitable access to sterilization, benefiting vulnerable populations.
A public opinion poll reveals a significant disparity between medical experts and the general public regarding the need to cut Medicare spending. While many experts believe future spending reductions are necessary, only 31% of the public agrees, with most believing Medicare recipients already pay or have prepaid their healthcare costs.
New research shows hydroxyurea treatment can lower medical costs for children with sickle cell disease by preventing complications and reducing hospitalizations. The study found that children treated with hydroxyurea incurred $3,000 less in medical costs per year compared to those who received standard therapy plus placebo.
Researchers found that replacing positive and negative needleless connectors with zero fluid displacement connectors reduced CLABSIs by 60% and 94%, respectively. This simple change saved an estimated 13 lives and over $3 million in healthcare costs.
A national ad campaign by the CDC's Tips From Former Smokers program more than doubled its original quit goal of 500,000 attempts, with over 1.6 million smokers attempting to quit after seeing the ads. The campaign resulted in over 100,000 Americans quitting smoking permanently, saving millions of years of life for the US population.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that incoming Medicaid enrollees may be younger, whiter, and healthier than current beneficiaries. These individuals are more likely to be smokers and heavy drinkers. Overall, the expansion could bring in a new, healthier group with different demographic characteristics.
A study found that 11% of ICU patients received treatments perceived by physicians as 'futile', with high costs and poor outcomes. The majority of patients received appropriate care, but many were given aggressive therapies without expected benefits.
A study published in Health Affairs found that over 85,000 minimally injured patients were sent to major trauma hospitals despite not needing them, resulting in excessive costs. The study suggests that early decisions in the healthcare process can lead to higher costs downstream.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that critically ill patients often receive futile treatment, with estimated costs of $2.6 million over three months. The most common reason for perceiving treatment as futile was the significant burden it placed on the patient's quality of life.
A new study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a proven drug effective for adults and children with sickle cell anemia reduced hospitalizations and medical costs for young children by 21% annually.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimated the total annual costs for five major health care-associated infections (HAIs) at $9.8 billion. Surgical site infections were found to be the most costly HAIs, with central line-associated bloodstream infections coming in second.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that adding a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to surgical care reduced hospital stays by less than one day and postoperative narcotics use. The TAP block procedure, which poses no significant risks to patients, allows for quicker recovery and lower healt...
Researchers found that commercial Alternative Quality Contract programs reduce spending and improve quality for Medicare beneficiaries served by participating providers. Providers in these plans implement systemic changes that result in higher-value care for all patients, not just those covered by the plan.
A study published in the BMJ found that telephone health coaching did not reduce hospital admissions or related costs for patients with long-term conditions. In fact, the study suggests that it may even lead to increased hospital use and costs.
Researchers aim to develop innovative ways to enhance smokers' ability to abstain from nicotine cravings. The study will recruit hundreds of smokers and use behavioral exercises to build resistance to tobacco withdrawal cues.
A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) costs Medicare tens of billions of dollars each year. The study estimated that Medicare spending attributable to CKD stages 2 through 4 is likely to exceed $48 billion per year, with costs ranging from $1700 to $12,700 per person per year.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University's George Loewenstein found that Americans struggle to comprehend traditional health insurance concepts like deductibles and co-insurance. A simplified insurance plan with copays appealed more to consumers, who were better able to compute costs and make informed decisions.
A study found that strong doctor-patient relationships facilitate conversations about healthcare costs, particularly when patients feel trust their physician. Patients are more willing to discuss personal out-of-pocket costs than insurer costs, and older and sicker individuals are more receptive to discussing costs.
A new study reveals that US physicians believe they have a responsibility to address healthcare costs, but their primary concern is always the well-being of their patients. Most (85%) agree that containing costs is their responsibility, while nearly 80% prioritize patients' best interests over cost concerns.
A survey of US physicians found that they generally agree on quality initiatives to reduce costs but express less enthusiasm for payment model changes. Most believed trial lawyers and patients have a significant role in reducing costs, while practicing physicians reported having limited responsibility. Physicians were enthusiastic abou...
A recent study led by Loyola University Medical Center physician Matthew Kircher identified a simple way to reduce healthcare costs without compromising care. The researchers found that in 178 cases, there was virtually perfect agreement between otologists' findings and official diagnoses from the pathology lab, suggesting that these e...
A study from the University of Michigan found that electronic health records can slow the rise of healthcare costs, with a 3% savings in outpatient care compared to traditional paper records. The study examined data from nine communities and estimated $5.14 in savings per patient per month.
Long-term aspirin use has been linked to reduced colorectal cancer risk, but alternate-day dosing shows increased gastrointestinal bleeding. Electronic health records adoption led to ambulatory cost savings of 3% per member per month and reductions in radiology costs in experimental pilot communities.
A study comparing Medicare Advantage and fee-for-service beneficiaries found significantly lower rates of angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions among Medicare Advantage patients. The researchers also identified substantial geographic variation in procedure rates for both payment types.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that low-income patients prioritize hospital care over primary care due to concerns about cost, quality, and accessibility. The study suggests that efforts to reduce hospital readmissions may inadvertently attract more low-SES patients.
A study found that policies with higher premiums for overweight individuals are perceived as stigmatizing, while 'carrot' plans with premium reductions for healthy-weight people are seen as more effective. Participants also evaluated plans on moral grounds, deciding that punishing someone for being overweight was wrong regardless of po...
A study from the University of York found that antimicrobial copper touch surfaces in intensive care units reduce bioburden by >90% and associated with a 58% reduction in healthcare-associated infections. The cost-effectiveness analysis predicts rapid return on investment, saving hospitals millions over five years.
A study analyzing high-cost Medicare patients' spending found that only a small percentage of their costs were related to preventable emergency department visits and hospitalizations, limiting the ability to lower costs through better outpatient care. The majority of inpatient costs were attributed to catastrophic events such as sepsis...
The Massachusetts public health experience provides valuable insights into the role of public health in healthcare reform. Public health officials learned to fight for a decision-making role, analyze data, and defend traditional services while contributing to cost reduction and quality improvement efforts.