Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is more effective than guaiac fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) in colonoscopy screenings, increasing attendance and diagnostic yield while reducing false positives. FIT is also cost-effective and clinically beneficial for d...
A recent study published in Health Affairs reveals that climate change-related events in the US resulted in $14 billion in health costs, 21,000 emergency room visits, and nearly 1,700 deaths. The analysis highlights the need for effective partnerships to mitigate public health damage and reduce health risks.
Patients treated by physicians who billed for both technical and professional fees were more likely to undergo cardiac stress imaging after coronary revascularization. The incidence of nuclear stress testing was higher among these physicians compared to those who did not bill for the service, with 12.6% vs 5.0%.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that financial reimbursement for cardiac imaging tests increases their use, with doctors ordering tests 50-100% more often when billed for both performing and interpreting the results.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with advanced liver disease have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to those with early stages of the disease. The average annual cost for patients with end-stage liver disease was estimated to be $59,995.
A new study found that bundling payments to healthcare providers to reduce costs proves difficult to implement, despite its potential benefits. Researchers identified technical and cultural barriers as major obstacles to the approach.
A Group Health Research Institute study found that obesity is associated with higher health care costs, but not due to co-occurring depression. Similarly, depression is linked to increased costs, but not because of co-occurring obesity. The study's findings have significant economic implications for the general population.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers predicts that Medicaid enrollment under the Affordable Care Act could range from 8 to 22 million Americans by 2014. The study also estimates a need for 4,500 to 12,100 new physicians to care for new patients, due to low reimbursement rates.
A new report from the University of Washington shows that housing and healthcare costs are driving an 8% increase in Washington's cost of living. The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Washington State 2011 reveals that families need significantly higher incomes to meet basic needs, with some areas experiencing massive increases.
A new study finds that Canada is failing to support young families, with stagnant household incomes and high housing costs squeezing them for time and resources. Experts propose policy changes to address the issue, including universal childcare and flexible work arrangements.
The US health care system scored 64 out of 100 on key measures, with notable improvements in quality of care but significant erosion in access and affordability. The scorecard highlights the need for targeted efforts to improve areas such as adoption and use of health information technology and prevention of premature deaths.
A retrospective analysis of neurosurgical patient transfers found that 60% of patients could have been stabilized at the original hospital before transfer by ground ambulance. Helicopter transport can cost up to $25,000, while ground transport is estimated to be between $800 and $2,000.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that $6.7 billion was spent on unnecessary tests or medications, with brand-name statins accounting for 86% of the cost. Excess spending included blood work, bone density scans, and antibiotic prescriptions.
A recent study found that using a lower dose of contrast media (60 milliliters) in 320 detector row CT scans resulted in sufficient enhancement in over 96% of coronary segments. Larger patients with higher body mass indexes showed improved results, supporting the use of this lower dose protocol.
A new study found that patients with consumer-directed health plans have more control over healthcare costs, with two-thirds of the reduction in total healthcare costs coming from reduced utilization of medical services. This is due to lower use of name-brand medications, less in-patient care, and lower use of specialists.
The report highlights the urgent need for simplified and integrated patient treatment pathways, new models of care with lower cost bases, and a whole new approach to expensive interventions. Radical action is required to make cancer care fair and affordable for all citizens.
The Lancet Oncology Commission emphasizes the need for affordable cancer care in high-income countries by addressing issues like overuse, rapid expansion of demand, and shortening life cycles of medical technologies. The commission suggests value-based pricing, personalized medicine, and education to tackle these challenges.
The NHS has wasted £625 million on synthetic insulin over the past decade, as recommended human alternatives would have been just as effective, reveals research published in BMJ Open. The study analyzed publicly available data and found that the annual cost of synthetic insulin rose from 12% to 85% of total costs.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that early treatment of HIV significantly reduces mortality by 75 percent. The researchers also found that the benefits of early ART outweigh its costs, making it a cost-effective intervention in resource-poor settings.
The American College of Physicians advocates for a seventh ACGME/ABMS general competency on cost-conscious care. Meanwhile, research on Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure in relation to diabetes remains inconclusive. Additionally, local incidence data may improve the diagnosis of strep throat, which affects millions worldwide each year.
Researchers found that virtual stroke care using two-way audio-video telemedicine is cost-effective for rural hospitals without a neurologist on staff. The study suggests that improved reimbursement rates and equipment costs could greatly diminish the disparity in stroke care between urban and rural areas.
Researchers found that telestroke, a two-way audio-video telemedicine system, is cost-effective for rural hospitals without around-the-clock neurologists. The study calculated the cost-effectiveness of telestroke by comparing costs and quality-adjusted life years of stroke patients treated with telestroke versus usual care.
A new study of over 200,000 Medicare beneficiaries found that cardiac device infections result in extremely high costs and patient mortality rates, even after hospital discharge. The study highlights the need for infection prevention as a key component of reducing mortality and morbidity.
A study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that consistently practicing Transcendental Meditation resulted in a significant decrease in physician fees for high-cost individuals, with a cumulative reduction of 28% after five years. This technique has major policy implications and could help reduce healthcare costs.
A study found that CIED infections are associated with increased mortality, hospital length of stay, and costs. The risk varies depending on the type of device, with pacemakers having a greater impact than other devices.
The report highlights the importance of living conditions, such as housing quality and access to healthy food, in determining health outcomes. Health Impact Project director Aaron Wernham praises the publication as a 'game-changer' for promoting the use of health impact assessments in decision-making.
The role of clinical microbiology laboratories is evolving with the increasing availability of sophisticated technologies, which can improve the quality and delivery of services. The tools and changes they bring can substantially enhance patient care by reducing mortality rates from sepsis.
A new study found that nearly half of US adults were underinsured or uninsured in 2010, with many struggling to pay medical bills and skipping necessary care. Affordable Care Act reforms could substantially reduce the number of underinsured individuals by up to 70%.
The new duty-hour limits will require US teaching hospitals to spend up to $1.3 billion a year on implementing the changes, which aim to reduce medical errors caused by fatigue. The reforms also introduce changes in the training environment, including standardized hand-overs and education on fatigue and patient safety.
A new study by University of North Carolina researchers found that adopting simple infection control measures can dramatically reduce targeted infections, mortality, and costs. The interventions included strict hand hygiene practices and measures to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia.
The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare proposes an agenda to improve compassionate care in the US healthcare system. The center's recommendations include measuring compassionate care through a national quality standard, funding comparative effectiveness research, and developing comprehensive training programs.
A new study by RAND Corporation reveals that fast-rising health costs have eaten nearly all the income gains made by a median-income American family of four over the past decade. The family would have had an additional $545 per month to spend if healthcare costs had risen only as fast as other goods and services.
A new study by RAND Corporation suggests that increased consolidation among health plans nationally can benefit consumers by lowering hospital prices. In metropolitan areas with the fewest health plans, hospital prices were found to be about 12 percent lower.
Researchers at UC San Diego have been awarded grants to develop innovative, affordable healthcare technologies. The projects include a smartphone-based disease diagnostic tool and a device that turns cell phones into microscopes, with the goal of improving chronic disease management and preventive care in underserved communities.
A UK study reveals that long-term complications after bariatric surgery should be thoroughly assessed and investigated. A Finnish study finds that bariatric surgery is a more cost-effective way to treat morbid obesity than non-operative care, with reduced healthcare costs and improved quality of life.
The researchers are using genetically modified plants to encapsulate a tolerance-inducing protein within plant cells to prevent fatal allergic reactions in patients with hemophilia A and B. The new funding will help propel the research to determine if the technique can work in other models and potentially to clinical trials.
A study by Concordia University economists found that workers in high-stress jobs visit doctors more often, with a 26% increase in healthcare utilization. The study also estimated that workplace stress costs US companies $68 billion annually and reduces productivity by 10%.
The study predicts a significant increase in obesity rates in the US and UK, with an estimated 65 million additional obese adults in the US and 11 million more in the UK by 2030. This would lead to increased healthcare costs and a higher risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer.
A new Commonwealth Fund report reveals that nearly three-quarters of people who lost their health insurance when they lost their jobs over the last two years skipped needed health care or struggled with medical bills. The Affordable Care Act will provide expanded health insurance options, including subsidies and Medicaid coverage, star...
A recent commentary in CMAJ highlights that alternative funding models for healthcare in Canada will not reduce costs nor achieve financial sustainability. The majority of healthcare costs are spent on a small proportion of the population, and private healthcare has higher administrative costs.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia are creating a portable fall prediction monitoring system that can identify individuals most at risk for falling. The system, called ROOP-Alert, uses sensors to measure gait, posture, and mobility, providing early diagnosis and treatment before falls occur.
A U of T study found that upgrading to pressure-reduction mattresses can prevent 1,005 pressure ulcers and save $7.2 million in healthcare costs annually for elderly patients in Ontario's emergency departments. The cost of upgrading would be 30 cents per patient, resulting in a savings of $32 per patient.
Researchers found that limiting drug-eluting stent use to high-risk patients preserves clinical benefits while reducing costs by an average of $401 per patient. The selective use of these stents has saved the US healthcare system around $400 million annually.
According to a commentary in JAMA, the individual mandate would strengthen the patient-physician relationship, increase access to health insurance coverage, and stabilize insurance premiums. This could lead to reduced costs and increased life expectancy for patients.
Research at National Jewish Health found that poorly controlled asthma doubles healthcare costs, with children missing an average of 18 days of school annually. Proper education and supervision can improve asthma control and reduce costs, improving the lives and chances for success of affected children.
Physician practices in the US spend significantly more time interacting with health insurers and payers, resulting in higher per capita health spending. The study found that if US physicians had similar administrative costs to those in Canada, it could save $27.6 billion per year.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that US physicians spend nearly $61,000 more annually on administrative expenses due to the complexity of US health insurance systems. This burden disproportionately affects nurses and medical staff in the US.
A national study found that hospitalists' patients have higher Medicare costs in the 30 days after discharge due to increased post-discharge medical utilization and cost shifting. Hospitalist care was initially thought to reduce overall costs, but the findings suggest otherwise.
A new school-based obesity prevention curriculum has been shown to significantly reduce medical costs associated with obesity and eating disorders. The program, Planet Health, was found to prevent 1 case of bulimia nervosa among girls aged 13-17 in each participating school, resulting in an estimated $34,000 in savings per girl.
A new study finds that workers who receive settlements for painful on-the-job back injuries experience worsening financial and domestic problems over time. Younger workers and those with lower incomes are particularly affected, with significant increases in financial difficulties and legal actions.
The deployment of speed cameras in urban areas saves vast amounts of money by reducing the number of road traffic accidents. This financial analysis reveals net savings of up to £20.17 million over two years.
Two studies found that transitional care programs can significantly reduce hospital readmissions, with one program showing a 48% lower 30-day readmission rate. The findings suggest the potential of these programs to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
A new study found that bariatric surgery is a cost-effective treatment option for all obese patients, with significant savings in medical costs over lifetime. The analysis suggests that the procedure should be universally available to all obese people, making it a good value and a potential game-changer in obesity treatment.
Physicians can tailor treatment decisions by assessing the outcome of each treatment on smaller subgroups of patients, streamlining decision-making while keeping expenditures low. The approach aims to provide more accurate cost-benefit analysis for individual patients, complementing population-level analyses.
A recent study shows that generic medications can reduce the cost of treating chronic diseases by up to 80%, making preventive care a more affordable option. The research team recommends policy makers promote the use of generics in treatment standards and educate physicians and patients about their effectiveness.
Independent reviews report that many new drugs offer few advantages over existing ones, with median development costs ranging from $13 million to $333 million. This challenges the oft-quoted cost of bringing a new drug to market as high as $1.32 billion.
A study found that cutting IVF funding in Denmark leads to significant short-term cost savings, but long-term losses. By 2059, the government would have lost €74-123 million due to fewer tax contributions from children born through IVF.
The Cancer Risk Management model uses dynamic simulations to project realistic Canadian populations, offering insights into screening, prevention, and treatment changes. By reducing smoking rates, the model predicts a decrease in lung cancer incidence and cumulative savings in direct treatment costs.
Researchers found that nearly all PCIs (98.6%) for acute indications were classified as appropriate, while only half of those for nonacute indications could be classified as such. The study suggests an opportunity to examine and improve the selection of patients undergoing PCI in the non-acute setting.
A new study found that behavioral treatments for migraines, such as relaxation training and hypnosis, can be more cost-effective than prescription drugs in the long run. After six months, minimal-contact behavioral treatment was competitive with pharmacologic treatments, while after one year, it was nearly $500 cheaper.