Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A large study found that surgical site infections due to MRSA increase hospital readmission risk by 35 times and mortality risk sevenfold. The infections also result in longer hospital stays and higher charges, with estimated costs of over $19 million across seven hospitals.
A new study from North Carolina State University suggests that health care spending can contribute to economic growth by investing in future capital and improving productivity. The researchers found that government projections of health care costs were unduly pessimistic, leading to errors of up to 35%.
A recent study published in JAMA found that most primary care physician practices have too few patients to reliably measure quality and cost performance. The researchers analyzed data from over 2005 Medicare Part B and found that only a small percentage of practices had sufficient caseloads to detect significant differences in common m...
A recent study found that low-income families in states with more generous Medicaid and SCHIP benefits report less financial burden. However, the percentage of families with out-of-pocket expenses exceeding 3% or 5% of their income varies greatly from state to state.
A new study found that hospital price transparency laws in California are ineffective, with only 28% of hospitals responding as required by state law. The research team received inaccurate or incomplete price quotes from most hospitals, which often exceeded the allowed prices under California law.
A study by researchers from Stony Brook University found that osteoarthritis increases aggregate health care expenditures in the U.S. by $185.5 billion annually. The disease disproportionately affects women, with out-of-pocket expenses nearly 100 percent higher for them than men.
Researchers found that postmortem genetic testing can identify mutations associated with SUD, allowing for targeted assessment and reduced costs. The study estimated a cost savings of $1 million per 150 cases, making it a more affordable option than comprehensive cardiac testing.
A study by RAND Corporation suggests that slowing US healthcare spending will require new approaches, including changing payment methods for doctors and hospitals. The most promising option is bundling payments for medical care, which would encourage providers to eliminate unnecessary care and improve quality.
A new study reveals that the healthcare industry in the US accounts for nearly 10% of the country's total carbon dioxide emissions, despite only accounting for 16% of the nation's gross domestic product. Hospitals and pharmaceutical industries are among the largest contributors to this environmental impact.
A study found that computerized alerts can reduce the prescription of heavily marketed sleep medications by 23.3% compared to generic equivalents. The alerts provided additional information on co-payments and patient education, leading to a change in clinician behavior.
A study found that on-demand chest radiographs for mechanically ventilated patients resulted in a third fewer radiographs without compromising patient care. The on-demand strategy was associated with significant cost savings and decreased radiation exposure.
Leaders in healthcare and health policy support sweeping changes to Medicare, including expanding payment pilot programs and creating an independent advisory council. Experts also back negotiating pharmaceutical drug prices and filling the 'doughnut hole' coverage gap.
A study models a 100 patient dialysis center and a program with 7,500 hemodialysis patients, finding that improved survival increases costs by $5 million over 10 years and $400 million over the same period. Research into less costly treatments could help address these concerns.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that hospitals using more in-patient diagnostic imaging exams had significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates without a corresponding increase in costs. The study analyzed data from over 100 hospitals and more than 1 million patient outcomes, suggesting...
A web-based nutrition and exercise program has been shown to reduce healthcare costs for employees with cardiac risk factors. The study found that participants who visited the website at least 9 times per year had lower healthcare costs, with a $55 average decrease in costs.
A HealthCore study found that Metanx tablets reduced anticonvulsant medication use by 31% among patients diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. The treatment also resulted in a 30% reduction in medical costs related to diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy.
The report analyzes the similarities, differences, potential impacts, and costs of current bills passed by Congress, including provisions for expanding coverage, improving quality, and controlling costs. The bills differ in how reform would be financed and what actions would be taken to control costs and expand coverage.
Researchers found that men and women who consume low amounts of alcohol have higher healthcare costs compared to non-drinkers. The study challenges the common assumption that moderate drinking is good for your health.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that employees with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated chronic disease can incur healthcare costs up to $5,867 annually. Employers can prevent these conditions by implementing health risk appraisals and prevention programs, which cost as little as $150 per year.
A study by University of Rochester Medical Center evaluates the cost effectiveness of an experimental blood pressure device called Rheos. The research suggests that Rheos can be a cost-effective treatment for individuals with drug-resistant hypertension, especially those with extremely high blood pressure or diabetes.
A new study by Stanford University School of Medicine found that areas with high concentrations of magnetic resonance imaging machines are more likely to have patients undergoing back surgeries. The researchers correlated the number of MRI machines in an area with the likelihood of low-back pain patients receiving MRIs and subsequent s...
A study published in BJS found that inexpensive dressings are just as effective as expensive silver dressings in treating venous leg ulcers. The study showed no significant differences in healing rates and quality of life between the two groups.
The report found significant differences in health insurance coverage for adults, with a decline in many states, while children's coverage expanded or held steady. National efforts to publicly report performance led to quality improvements in hospitals and nursing homes.
A Harvard Medical School study found that individuals who were previously uninsured between ages 51 and 64 cost Medicare an additional $1,000 annually due to complications from cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Expanding coverage may reduce subsequent Medicare spending by $98 billion, offsetting the costs.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found that alcohol-impaired drivers, regardless of injury severity, incur higher medical costs in emergency departments. The study revealed a median charge difference of $4,538 and a longer length of stay, totaling 3.3 hours compared to non-alcohol impaired patients.
A study found that individuals with metabolic syndrome risk factors experience nearly 1.6-fold higher healthcare costs due to conditions such as obesity and high blood pressure. The average annual cost increase for those with additional risk factors is 24%, reaching $5,732 versus $3,581 per year.
A partnership between MU and state organizations provides medical interpreters to LEP patients, improving communication and reducing costs. The program aims to increase access to quality care and reduce misdiagnoses.
The AF Stat Call to Action outlines critical issues and recommends priority actions in policy, education, management, and quality. The report aims to reduce the burden of atrial fibrillation by improving understanding, diagnosis, and management among all parties affected.
A study found that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) significantly improves survival rates and reduces disability in adults with severe acute respiratory failure. The treatment, which uses heart-lung bypass technology, was shown to be cost-effective compared to conventional ventilation.
A new study estimates that reducing Americans' average intake of sodium to recommended levels could save the nation $18 billion annually in avoided health care costs. Meeting national sodium guidelines could also eliminate 11 million cases of high blood pressure nationally and extend thousands of lives each year.
Researchers found that three common houseplants significantly reduced indoor ozone concentrations in a simulated environment. The study suggests using plants as a cost-effective tool to mitigate indoor air pollution, especially in developing countries where expensive technology may not be feasible.
A new approach to medical practice that incorporates the interactions between human genetics, environment and behavior could result in more precise diagnosis, earlier intervention and individualized care. However, concerns around data protection, sociolegal implications and economic costs must be addressed.
A one-year evaluation demonstrates the benefits of the patient-centered medical home model, which provides personalized care, prevention, and coordination. The study found significantly fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations among patients with access to a medical home.
A RAND Corporation study found that retail medical clinics offer high-quality care at a lower cost than traditional settings, with costs 30-40% lower for acute illnesses. The study also showed that retail clinics provide care similar in quality to physician offices, urgent care centers, and hospital emergency departments.
Extending universal health coverage to IVF could decrease multiple births, their associated complications, and mortality rates. Quebec's legislation shows promise, with a decrease in multiple births after Finland's single-embryo transfer policy.
The Commonwealth Fund report predicts family premiums will increase 119% between 1999 and 2008, reaching $23,842 per family by 2020. National reforms could save over $3,700 per family policy, with a 1% annual growth rate reduction yielding substantial savings.
A recent analysis published in PLOS Medicine found that twenty-five years of healthcare reforms in Mexico have increased access to medical care, but at the cost of inefficiency and inadequate addressing of health inequities. The study highlights the need for comprehensive reform to improve the Mexican healthcare system.
A recent review suggests that using MRI before surgery to assess the extent of early breast cancer may not improve surgical planning or reduce follow-up surgeries. In fact, it could lead to more women being treated with mastectomy without evidence of improvement in outcomes.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that guided care patients spent 24% fewer hospital days and 37% fewer skilled nursing facility days compared to usual care. Guided Care programs could save Medicare over $15 billion every year, according to the study.
A new study estimates that sub-Saharan Africa will only have one-third of the needed healthcare workers by 2015, with a shortage of 240,000 doctors and 551,000 nurses and midwives. The cost of scaling up the health system is projected to be $19 billion per year.
Researchers found that cooling therapy, also known as therapeutic hypothermia, improves survival rates and reduces disability after cardiac arrest. The treatment's cost-effectiveness was compared to other widely accepted healthcare interventions, including kidney dialysis and public access defibrillation.
A school-based program that integrates healthy relationship information into the curriculum appears to reduce adolescent dating violence and increase condom use. The effects of the low-cost intervention are stronger in boys. Rates of physical dating violence were greater in control students than those who participated in the program.
The HealthGrades study found that bariatric surgery patients at five-star hospitals have a significantly lower risk of complications and shorter hospital stays compared to those at poorly rated hospitals. Higher-volume programs also showed better outcomes.
A majority of healthcare leaders support a public health care option and innovative provider payment reform to control costs and ensure access to quality care. They also favor a national insurance exchange with standard-setting authority to standardize benefits and set rating rules.
The individual health insurance market is failing consumers, with 73% unable to purchase a plan due to high premiums. Adults with individual coverage face significant out-of-pocket costs and premium expenses, with half spending 10% or more of their income on these costs.
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund suggests that including private and public insurance choices in a national exchange could save $265 billion in administrative costs. This approach would also help reduce health care costs by nearly $3 trillion by 2020, while improving quality and efficiency.
Researchers found that acute treatment results in an average hospital stay of 8.3 days and a cost of nearly $21,000, while ischemic stroke had an average stay of 6.6 days and cost of $15,000.
A recent study found that cardiovascular medication costs in Canada increased by 200% over the past decade, reaching $5 billion in 2020. The study highlights the need for cost-effective medications to ensure sustainable public drug insurance programs.
A commentary in JAMA explores how US healthcare's emphasis on providing services can lead to direct and indirect harm. The authors argue that this focus can cause excessive healthcare use and spending, diverting resources away from education and environmental quality.
A meta-analysis of 6,316 patients found that clinical pathways significantly reduced postoperative complications and shortened hospital stays. This led to lower hospital costs due to better-organized care, which prevents inappropriate care and its associated costs.
A LSUHSC M.D./Ph.D. student has been awarded a $148,480 NIH grant to investigate the therapeutic potential of novel omega-3 fatty acid derivatives in experimental stroke. The project aims to define interactions between omega-3 fatty acids and pro-survival protein signaling pathways in the aging brain after stroke.
A recent study highlights the immense economic burden of life-extending cancer treatments in the US, estimated to be over $400 billion annually. The authors argue that interventions with survival advantages of two months or less should be prioritized to address this issue.
New research reveals that diabetes costs the US economy over $174 billion annually, with a focus on lifestyle modifications and preventive care. Implementing pay-for-performance incentives can significantly reduce these costs by encouraging improved disease management and adherence to clinical guidelines.
Researchers at UCSF advocate for a nationwide Primary Care Cooperative Extension Service to support primary care clinicians and address the shortage of physicians. The service would provide infrastructure for practice transformation through local learning communities, information exchange, and cross-fertilization of ideas among practices.
A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that total knee replacement is a cost-effective procedure for managing end-stage knee osteoarthritis, particularly in high-volume centers. The analysis suggests that procedures performed in low-volume centers are more cost-effective than not undergoing surgery at all.
Well-designed telemedicine systems offer substantial benefits in improving access to quality healthcare, providing effective clinical decision support, promoting patient-centered care, and enhancing chronic disease management. The authors emphasize that telemedicine is a crucial component of successful healthcare reform.
Researchers found that routine diabetes screenings can lead to significant cost savings for healthcare systems. The study suggests that screening and preventive management can be a cost-effective approach to managing the disease.
A Harvard study found that medical problems contributed to 62.1 percent of all bankruptcies in 2007, with most medically bankrupt individuals having health insurance at the start of their illness. The study also found high out-of-pocket medical costs for insured families and a lack of comprehensive coverage.
A recent review by AcademyHealth found a substantial volume of ongoing comparative effectiveness research but little coordination, with widely variable costs within and between study designs. The lack of coordination can lead to redundant efforts and increased costs, highlighting the need for developing a national research agenda.
A recent study found that older adults struggle to identify the most affordable Medicare Part D plan due to excessive choice options. The researchers recommend reducing plan numbers or standardizing benefits to make the system more user-friendly and cost-effective.