Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
The myVitali system enables healthcare professionals to monitor and communicate with larger numbers of people, maintaining independence and quality of life for seniors. It also reduces doctor visits and provides personalized health records.
Doctors argue that current hospital quality-improvement programs have little evidence to show improved patient outcomes, despite high administrator buy-in. A formalized 'physician management infrastructure' is proposed to encourage doctors to take leadership roles in quality improvement.
The American College of Physicians recommends limiting routine imaging for low back pain due to lack of evidence on its health benefits, recommending only in higher-risk patients. ACP aims to preserve high-value, high-quality care by controlling unsustainable healthcare costs.
A study published in CMAJ found that restricting angiotensin-receptor blockers could save Canada $77.1 million without negative effects on health. The policy would benefit from the cheaper and effective alternative, ACE inhibitors.
African American patients with hypertension who viewed stories about real patients experienced better blood pressure control compared to usual care. High-volume hospitals for congestive heart failure showed improved patient outcomes but higher costs, contradicting previous studies that only focused on cost-effectiveness.
New research reveals that high-end hospital design features like private rooms and natural light can reduce healthcare-acquired infections and costs. Two case studies demonstrate the benefits of evidence-based design in hospitals and community health centers.
A new NIH study projects that cancer costs will increase to at least $158 billion in 2020 due to the growing US population and cancer trends. The projected costs are based on an aging population and the introduction of new, expensive cancer treatments.
People with sleep apnoea or obesity-related respiratory difficulties incur twice as high medicine and hospital costs as healthy control subjects, with unemployment rates 30% higher. Violent snoring costs €705 per person, while sleep apnoea costs €3860 and obesity-related respiratory difficulties cost €11,320.
The estimated total cost of cancer care in the US is expected to reach $158 billion in 2020, driven by an aging population and increasing prevalence of cancer. Breast and prostate cancers are projected to experience significant increases in costs, with breast cancer projected to be the highest-cost cancer at $20.5 billion.
A recent study by McGill University Health Centre demonstrates that single-patient rooms in Intensive Care Units (ICU) significantly reduce the acquisition of infections such as C-difficile, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus. The results show a 50% reduction in infection rates and a 10% decrease in length of stay.
The PRIMA study found that rituximab-maintenance therapy significantly improved progression-free survival and response rates compared to no treatment in patients with follicular lymphoma. After 2 years, 71.5% of patients in the rituximab group achieved complete or unconfirmed complete response compared to 52.2% in the observation group.
The study found that individuals with untreated hypersomnia incur significant economic costs, including increased medication use, hospital admissions, and unemployment. The researchers estimate that each person with violent snoring or narcolepsy costs society approximately €10,223 per year.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that neonatal intensive care provides substantial population health benefits in Mexico relative to its costs, even for very premature babies. The study suggests that including neonatal intensive care in Mexico's Seguro Popular program is highly efficient in terms of overall benefits provided com...
A retrospective study found that 31% of adult acute care visits in Massachusetts involved patients visiting two or more hospitals, resulting in higher costs and increased hospitalizations. The study highlights the need for health information technology to address fragmentation and improve patient safety.
Researchers found that private insurance paid for healthcare costs in the under-65 population significantly reduced disparities in per-capita Medicare healthcare spending between McAllen and El Paso. For this age group, inpatient admissions were 89% higher in McAllen than El Paso, but outpatient medical service spending was 22% lower.
The report found that employer-sponsored family health insurance premiums rose 41% across states from 2003 to 2009, outpacing median incomes. By 2020, average annual premiums would increase by 79%, reaching $23,342 for families. ACA reforms aim to slow cost growth and improve coverage.
Health care costs in Canada are expected to increase due to rising expenditures. Governments have options to deal with this, including increasing revenue through taxes or social insurance.
Research published in Thorax estimates that UK workplace asthma costs the country at least £100 million a year, with potentially as high as £135 million. The study reveals that the condition is underdiagnosed and that the employer should bear more responsibility for reducing exposure to agents causing workplace asthma.
Fecal immunochemical testing is the best and most cost-effective method for screening for colorectal cancer, reducing deaths by 69% among average-risk patients. Annual screening with this test can lower healthcare costs compared to other methods.
A recent study found that lower-income families enrolled in high-deductible health plans are more likely to delay or forego medical care because of the costs. Despite this, they did not report any difficulties understanding their plans. The study suggests that physicians play a crucial role in helping patients navigate these challenges.
The US stands out for highest out-of-pocket costs and most complex health insurance among 11 industrialized nations. Adults with lower incomes face significant challenges in accessing healthcare and affording medical bills.
Prescription abandonment can undermine medical treatment and result in increased healthcare costs. Studies estimate that 20-30% of prescriptions are not filled or picked up due to cost concerns, with physicians often unaware of patient out-of-pocket costs.
A study of 1.9 million hospitalized children found that gynecologic surgical procedures had the highest likelihood of leaving a foreign body inside, resulting in longer hospital stays and higher costs. The risk was particularly high for ovarian cyst or cancer-related procedures.
A University of Michigan concept for value-based insurance design is featured in a thematic cluster of papers in the November issue of Health Affairs. The approach focuses on removing barriers to high-value services and aims to improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.
A study from Rhode Island Hospital found that 33 individuals were responsible for 305 cases of medical intervention to remove intentionally swallowed foreign bodies, resulting in estimated hospital costs of over $2 million. The most common items ingested were pens, batteries, knives, and razor blades.
Most physicians believe Medicare reimbursement is inequitable, and a national survey found little consensus on proposed reforms. Financial incentives for quality care were the most popular proposal, with 49.1% support.
A study found that complications after endoscopy are more common than previously estimated, with a 1% incidence of related hospital visits within 14 days. The average cost per hospital visit was $6,355.71, and the total cost for hospitalizations among patients undergoing screening or surveillance was $355,489.76.
A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that increasing Medicaid reimbursement for administering influenza shots may boost vaccination rates among poor children. The research analyzed state-by-state data and found a strong correlation between flu vaccination rates and Medicaid reimbursement rates.
A collaborative approach to sharing patient safety data among Michigan hospitals has led to a nearly 10% reduction in surgical complications. The study, which examined general and vascular surgeries between 2005 and 2007, also found improvements in reducing blood infections, septic shock, prolonged ventilator use, and cardiac arrest.
Patients admitted with malnutrition or bedridden have a prolonged hospital stay risk, according to a study. Those with lower BMI, nutritional risk and severe diseases face longer stays, with a 65% greater risk compared to non-malnourished patients.
A cost analysis of pediatric ondansetron administration found substantial economic benefits, including reduced financial costs and hospitalizations. The study suggests this treatment could be valuable in countries with limited resources, but oral rehydration therapy should remain the primary approach in less developed countries.
The new guidelines, published in CMAJ, focus on identifying and managing fractures and assessing risk. Current data indicate that many fracture patients are not appropriately assessed or treated, highlighting the need for improved management of osteoporosis and fragility fractures.
Patients with peripheral artery disease experience high rates of hospitalizations and associated costs, even after initial procedures to clear blockages in leg arteries. Preventive strategies, including healthy lifestyle adoption, may help arrest or stall the progression of the disease.
Spinal osteoporotic fractures often go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to severe repercussions such as stooped back, acute pain, loss of height, and premature death. The IOF campaign aims to raise awareness and promote prevention, diagnosis, and early treatment.
Studies examine resource use and costs in the last six months of life for Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure and Canadian patients who died of heart failure, revealing increased hospice use but high hospitalization rates. Increasing availability of alternative care venues may help reduce hospitalizations and contain costs.
A new study by Duke University researchers estimates the total value of lost job productivity due to health problems among U.S. full-time employees with obesity, which exceeds medical expenditures. The per capita cost of obesity is as high as $16,900 for obese women and $15,500 for obese men.
Researchers estimate the true cost of smoking to be significantly higher than the retail price, with males facing a premium of €32 compared to the newsstand price. The study suggests that taxes and restrictions can strengthen smokers' self-control mechanisms and generate social benefits.
A four-year study funded by the AHRQ investigates Total Health, a unique benefits program offering preventive care, reduced copayments for chronic conditions, and health promotion programs to manage chronic diseases. The study aims to improve employee wellness and productivity while controlling healthcare costs.
The winners of the 2010 Science in Society Journalism Awards were announced, honoring outstanding investigative reporting on science and its impact on society. Susan Cohen and Christine Cosgrove won for their book
A new study by the American Lung Association finds that helping smokers quit saves lives and offers significant economic benefits to states. States can expect a 26% return on investment for every dollar spent on smoking cessation treatments, with some states receiving even higher returns.
16.6 million small business employees are eligible for tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, with benefits including increased competition among insurers and reduced health insurance premiums. By 2013, 3.4 million workers may take advantage of the tax credit, which increases in value to up to 50% of premium contribution by 2014.
A survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Association of Finnish Pharmacies found that pharmacists' free professional services saved €565 million per year in Finland. This includes reducing 6.2 million general practitioner visits, 750,000 emergency visits, and 123,000 hospital nights.
The incidence of acute myocardial infarction sharply increased among young Italian women between 2001 and 2005, with a total of over 118,000 reported cases in 2005. The study also found that the increase was higher in younger women aged 45-64 years.
A new analysis found that prostate cancer treatment choices significantly impact long-term care costs. Watchful waiting had the lowest initial and five-year total costs, while hormonal therapy plus radiation and surgery were associated with higher costs.
Researchers found that hospitalized patients with dysphagia averaged a 40% longer hospital stay than those without the condition. Dysphagia is severely underreported and can lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia and increased end-of-life costs.
A new report from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that trauma center care is cost-effective for patients with severe injuries and those younger than 55. The study estimates that trauma center care saves lives at a lower cost per life-year gained compared to non-trauma center care.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that the University of Michigan's full disclosure program for medical errors resulted in a significant decrease in new claims, time to resolution, and liability costs. This improvement in transparency and compensation led to reduced malpractice costs and enhanced patient safety.
Patients undergoing bariatric surgery showed significant reduction in diabetes medication use, with over 80% eliminating medications one year post-surgery. The study suggests that bariatric surgery may lead to improved glucose control and lower healthcare costs for obese patients with type 2 diabetes.
The Affordable Care Act will stabilize and reverse growing health costs for women through subsidized insurance coverage and expanded Medicaid eligibility. Women are expected to benefit from the law's provisions on maternity care, newborn coverage, and protection against higher premiums and coverage denials based on gender.
A new analysis reveals that avoiding lowest-volume hospitals and maximizing adherence to quality care processes can significantly reduce costs associated with coronary bypass surgery. Patients receiving all quality of care measures had shorter hospital stays and lower costs.
Researchers found that depressive symptoms are commonly overlooked in routine clinical interviews for HCV patients, leading to compromised treatment outcomes. Studies also revealed higher healthcare benefit costs and lower productivity among HCV-infected workers.
A new vaccine-delivery patch using dissolving microneedles offers improved immunization against diseases like influenza. The patches simplify immunization programs by eliminating hypodermic needles and their disposal concerns.
The adoption of digital patient records, increased regulation, and provider consolidation highlight the need for better information security in healthcare. Patient concerns about sharing medical information online are common, with a recent survey showing three-quarters of patients worried about health websites breaching their privacy.
A recent study estimates that waterborne diseases like Legionnaires', cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis cost the healthcare system up to $539 million annually. The three diseases cause severe illness often requiring hospital stays of over a week, resulting in significant healthcare costs.
Agricultural Research Service-funded scientists found that a combination of protective nutrients and low-glycemic-index diet provides an AMD protective effect. The most protective nutrients were vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
A new study at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center finds that cardiac MRI can reduce hospital admissions and costs for chest pain patients in the emergency department. The study uses cardiac MRI to provide accurate diagnostics in an observation unit, reducing unnecessary hospital stays.
Researchers at UCLA found that Latinos from Central and South America and those from Mexico are more likely to experience low levels of preventive care, with lower rates of basic screenings such as colorectal cancer screening and influenza vaccinations. Addressing this gap could help reduce healthcare costs by promoting targeted interv...
The US ranked last in five areas of health system performance: quality, efficiency, access, equity, and healthy lives. Affordable Care Act provisions may improve access and equity, but the country still lags behind others on measures of quality and value.
An estimated 1.8 million individuals visit free clinics annually, providing a range of preventive and general medical care to 10% of the working-age adult uninsured population. Free clinics rely on charitable donations, civic groups, and corporations as primary funding sources.
A study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found that IVF children generate significant fiscal implications for governments, with a discounted net tax revenue of approximately €127,000. This represents an 8-fold return on investment for governments.