Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
Most older U.S. adults support Medicare covering weight management medications, particularly those with a BMI of 30 or greater. The survey also found that more than half of participants were interested in using these medications to manage their weight.
Researchers at Lancaster University discovered a new type of vaccine-specific scepticism, where some people perceive COVID-19 vaccines as 'not a vaccine' compared to MMR. This phenomenon may also apply to the flu vaccine, highlighting the need for clear public health messaging.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that avoidable mortality increased across all US states from 2009 to 2021, while declining in many peer nations. The team's findings suggest deep-seated issues in the American healthcare system and public policy may be contributing to worsening health outcomes.
A recent study suggests that long COVID-19 cases can result in significant annual costs of $5,084 to $11,646, primarily due to productivity losses and direct medical expenses. The estimated total cost for current long COVID cases in the US is between $2.01 billion and $6.56 billion annually.
Experts propose evidence-based work design to mitigate administrative harms and improve patient safety, quality of care, and workforce well-being. The new framework aims to integrate short-term financial metrics with long-term outcomes, sparking a transformation in organizational decision-making.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health refutes claims that Medicaid expansion increases misuse of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines. Despite initial concerns, the study found no association between Medicaid expansion and non-prescribed opioid use among people who inject drugs.
A new survey from West Health and Gallup found that over 31 million Americans borrowed $74 billion last year to pay for healthcare, with nearly one-third expressing 'very concern' about medical debt. The survey also revealed significant disparities in borrowing rates among different demographics, including age, race, and income level.
A recent USC study found that Black immigrants in the United States have a 9% higher likelihood of being uninsured compared to U.S.-born white adults, despite having a 70.2% employment rate. The disparity is attributed to wage penalties and systemic barriers related to race and immigration status.
Differences in coinsurance rates associated with racial and ethnic disparities in out-of-pocket spending for maternity care. Changes to health plan benefit design could improve equity in maternal healthcare access and outcomes.
A new study found that Black, Hispanic, and Asian people with private insurance pay significantly more out-of-pocket for maternity care than white people. The study analyzed data from over 87,000 pregnancies and deliveries, revealing disparities in coinsurance rates and resulting costs.
A new study found that an Oakland law requiring cigarette prices to increase to a minimum of $8 per pack led to a 15-percent decrease in cigarette sales and a 25-percent decrease in lower-priced cigarettes. The policy may be particularly effective at curbing tobacco initiation among low-income individuals and youth.
A cohort study found that telemedicine adoption was associated with modestly lower use of 7 out of 20 examined low-value tests, while having no effect on other tests. The results suggest potential benefits of telemedicine and mitigate concerns about increased spending.
New research from USC reveals that Medicare Part D plans are increasingly tying patient costs to list prices, leading to substantially higher out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. The study found that the share of stand-alone plans using coinsurance for preferred branded drugs grew from 9.9% in 2020 to 71.9% in 2024.
A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.
A new laparoscopic imaging technique uses stereo depth estimation and speckle-illumination SFDI to accurately map the optical properties of biological tissue. The device provides detailed optical property maps, enabling surgeons to identify critical tumor margins and improve clinical outcomes.
A cross-sectional study found that variation in health care spending among US counties is primarily attributed to disparities in service utilization. The study's results may inform policymakers in assessing the allocation of health care resources.
A new study tracks US health care spending by health condition and county, revealing broad variation in spending patterns. The research highlights the need to identify outliers and assess healthcare gaps, particularly in regions with high inequalities in healthcare access.
FAIR Health introduces a new shared decision-making tool for Alzheimer's disease, providing clinical information on self-care options and drug therapies. The tool also offers related cost information to support age-friendly care, available at no cost to users.
A large study found that telemedicine and training apps had minimal positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that direct care from medical professionals remains crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans face long drives and high costs for surgical care within an hour's drive. Rural adults are particularly affected, with 44% driving over an hour for operations.
A Michigan Medicine-led study suggests that living in disadvantaged communities may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by up to 37%. The study found that patients from more resourced areas tended to live longer, possibly due to better access to care and reduced caregiver burnout. T...
A scoping review found women health sector leaders have a positive impact on financial performance, innovation and health outcomes, despite being underutilized. Increased investment is needed to maximize their potential and reap benefits.
A new study from the University of Birmingham found that digoxin is more effective than beta-blockers in reducing adverse events and hospital admissions for older patients with atrial fibrillation. This could lead to significant cost savings for the UK National Health Service, estimated at £102 million per year.
A recent study found that patients who left emergency departments before being medically advised had higher rates of readmission, mortality, and increased costs. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 53.6% increase in such cases, primarily due to concerns about infection, long wait times, and dissatisfaction with care.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that a computer-generated breathing coach was perceived as likable and trustworthy by 73% of participants, with 76% finding it easy to use. The researchers aim to investigate the virtual coach using 3D immersive VR technology in future studies.
A mathematical modeling study suggests that removing fallopian tubes during other abdominal surgeries can lower ovarian cancer incidence by five percent. The approach could also reduce total healthcare costs in Germany, with estimated annual savings of over €10 million.
Research suggests that labor and delivery units with adequate nurse staffing have lower cesarean birth rates and higher vaginal birth rates. Hospitals aligned with national standards for nurse staffing saw a 11% decrease in C-sections, indicating improved maternal outcomes.
A new trial will test whether taking HMB can improve patients' physical function and quality of life. The BOOST study aims to recruit 124 patients with cirrhosis and measure its effects on liver disease, mental wellbeing, and physical function over 24 weeks.
A study by Brown University researchers found that nearly half of primary care providers in the US are affiliated with hospitals or private equity firms, resulting in higher charges. These affiliations were linked to a 10.7% increase in negotiated prices for office visits compared to independent practices.
A new study reveals striking similarities and critical gaps in how three major countries measure healthcare quality, with an emphasis on family medicine and process-focused metrics. The findings underscore the need for a more balanced approach that includes all aspects of medical care, from infrastructure to patient outcomes.
This study analyzed GP-patient consultations to identify treatment burdens and strategies for managing type 2 diabetes. The findings show that medication and personal resources are major components of treatment burden, emphasizing the need for tailored GP responses.
Researchers developed AshPhos, a ligand that facilitates the formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds using inexpensive materials. The tool has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials, and degrading PFAS pollutants.
A West Virginia University legal scholar argues that current laws favor biologic drugs with longer exclusivity periods, affecting their pricing. The scholar suggests reducing exclusivity for biologics to bring them in line with small-molecule drugs, which could lower drug costs.
A new study found that AI-generated empathetic responses were preferred over those from humans and expert crisis responders. The researchers suggest that AI can supplement human empathy, but should not replace it entirely due to potential biases and ethical concerns.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study reveals that medical equipment is the leading cause of out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients, with wheelchairs and hearing aids among the most expensive items. The research emphasizes the need to address accessibility and affordability issues to improve cancer survivor care.
Researchers found that integrating optometrists into community clinics reduces patient wait times and lower costs for the NHS. Local optician practices handle conditions like nAMD and glaucoma, delivering quality care while optimizing resources.
A new study found disparities in access to semaglutide based on insurance plan, job industry, sex, and other factors. Individuals with female identities, preferred provider organization coverage, and antidepressant use were more likely to start taking semaglutide compared to males or those with certain employment industries.
Two new studies found that those who turned 65 after the ACA took effect had lower out-of-pocket health costs and fewer hospitalizations. However, dual-eligible individuals over 65 saw negative impacts from Medicaid 'unwinding,' with 12% losing coverage and many going without needed care due to cost.
Researchers found that short-course antibiotics can be as effective as traditional longer treatments in preventing death and recurrence of pneumonia. This approach offers significant value for healthcare systems by reducing hospital expenditure while maintaining excellent patient outcomes.
The Affordable Care Act shows modest evidence in reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving health among older adults transitioning to Medicare. Insuring financial assistance should be preserved to enhance their access to healthcare, improving overall well-being.
A Michigan Medicine study suggests that higher out-of-pocket costs for initial cardiac rehabilitation sessions are a major barrier to participation. Patients who shared the cost of their first session attended more sessions than those who paid nothing, but still had lower odds of completing over 24 sessions.
A recent West Health-Gallup survey reveals a deep divide in Americans' opinions on the incoming Trump administration's policies to lower healthcare costs. Nearly half of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, while only Republicans show significant optimism about the future of healthcare costs.
A new analysis suggests that implementing a lifetime ban on tobacco products for individuals born after 2009 would result in vast health benefits and healthcare cost savings. The study estimates $2.3 billion less in healthcare costs and 476,814 more quality-adjusted life years for Canadians over a 50-year timespan.
Researchers found that despite higher supplemental benefits, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries use fewer services and pay similar out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket expenses for supplemental benefits were modestly lower for Medicare Advantage enrollees, with some services costing up to 9% less.
A new study found that Medicare Advantage patients with colorectal cancer are six percentage points less likely to receive a cancer drug compared to those on Traditional Medicare. For non-small cell lung cancer, the pattern was not as clear due to limited low-cost treatment options.
Researchers found that participants who received early therapeutic interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year. The interventions, which typically lasted six to twelve sessions, reduced symptoms and lowered the risk of depression by 42% in the first six months.
Early detection of breast cancer can lead to less intensive treatments, saving the Canadian healthcare system $459.6M over women's lifetimes and 3,499 breast cancer deaths. Screening mammograms and diagnostics costs are easily offset by earlier stage treatment.
The 2024 MedAxiom survey report highlights the importance of APPs in designing and implementing team-based care models, which can alleviate workflow challenges and drive better outcomes. The report provides data-driven solutions for compensation, incentives, and performance management to retain and motivate Advanced Practice Providers.
Participants in the National Diabetes Prevention Program saved approximately $5,000 in medical costs over two years due to reduced hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and emergency room visits. Additionally, they showed a lower probability of developing diabetes compared to non-participants.
Genetic testing for cancer risk should always include healthcare providers and genetic counseling to ensure users fully understand their results and receive proper guidance. The authors call on the FDA to provide clear rules for using these tests, particularly for minors.
A retrospective observational study found that billing patients for portal messages slightly decreased the volume of patient-initiated messages. The results suggest that this approach could help reduce provider burnout by decreasing the burden of portal messages.
A systematic review of 384 studies found that only about one in five health care integrations leads to improved value of care delivery, primarily due to better care management processes. Hospital charges increased with integration, and quality of care showed reduced quality or no change in nearly 77% of the studies.
A longitudinal cohort study found that state cannabis legalization is associated with increased cannabis use disorder and poisoning diagnoses. Communities with increased access to cannabis may experience increased healthcare use and costs due to these rising diagnoses.
A new study reveals that targeted preventative measures can significantly reduce the economic burden of tooth decay, particularly in deprived groups. The research estimates that implementing upstream and downstream interventions could save £14,000 per person in the most deprived group.
A QUT-led study found that surgeons are slow to adopt newly developed biomaterials or tissue-engineered solutions for treating bone defects. The researchers surveyed 337 surgeons and 99 scientists, revealing a significant gap between their optimism about future advancements and the slow adoption of these innovations in clinical practice.
The network's all-new digital report boasts over $56.1 million in total cost-of-care savings, with $44.6 million in rewards shared among providers. Ochsner Health Network also expands access to care and improves health outcomes through its collaborative partnerships and technological advancements.
A study by Brown University researchers found that capping hospital payments at 200% of Medicare rates could save state employee health plans $7.1 billion nationwide in 2022. This approach aims to keep costs down for state budgets while ensuring hospitals are paid fairly, without disrupting access to care.
A new study suggests that using AI-ECG tools to screen patients for low ejection fraction is cost-effective in the long term, especially in outpatient settings. The study found a cost-effectiveness ratio of $1,651 per quality-adjusted life year, indicating that the program can reduce costs over time.
A recent study found that approximately 1 in 3 U.S. retail pharmacies have closed since 2010, primarily driven by chain pharmacy closures and industry consolidation. This decline significantly impacts public health, making it harder for people to access prescriptions and essential health services.
The SONIA trial found that delaying and shortening CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment in patients with hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer leads to similar survival outcomes while reducing toxicity and cost by €45 million per year. This innovative approach could reduce the burden on healthcare systems worldwide.