Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A study by NORC and Watson Wyatt Worldwide finds rising rates of underinsurance and unaffordability among workers with employer-sponsored health insurance, particularly those with chronic conditions. The average OOP cost for medical services increased from $545 in 2004 to $729 in 2007.
Cancer care's high costs are impacting patients' welfare and society as a whole. The economic burden is too great to ignore, with rising costs threatening personalized medicine's promise.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that patients with bipolar disorder incur significantly higher specialty care costs compared to those with diabetes, depression, asthma, or coronary artery disease. Specialty care costs were especially high for bipolar patients, suggesting non-mental health provider-related expenses contribute to the disparity.
A literature review published in Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography concludes that ultrasound provides accurate diagnoses at a lower cost than MRI and CT scans. The study's findings highlight the widespread adoption of ultrasound in various clinical settings, including obstetrics, cardiology, and emergency medicine.
A new study by RAND Corporation and UCLA suggests that limiting the work hours of medical residents could reduce medical errors but would create a substantial new expense for academic medical centers. The estimated annual cost to hire substitute workers could reach $1.6 billion.
A new study estimates that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) costs the UK more than £27 billion a year, with £2.7 billion spent on children's support and £25 billion on adults. Researchers call for increased early intervention and policy review to address these significant economic impacts.
Research by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that early childhood health interventions can significantly reduce future healthcare costs, estimated at $50,000 per child. Interventions targeting tobacco exposure, unintentional injury, obesity, and mental health can lead to cost savings of up to $65 billion.
A national survey of physician practices found that physicians spend an average of three work weeks per year on administrative tasks required by health plans. This translates to a cost of $31 billion annually and 6.9% of all U.S. expenditures for physician and clinical services.
Patients and physicians found virtual visits similar to face-to-face visits on most measures, including time spent with the physician and overall satisfaction. The study suggests that virtual visits could be a viable option for chronic conditions and acute issues.
A University of Missouri researcher found that a quality care improvement program saved nursing homes $6 million over three years. The program improved care quality for residents, reducing medical problems and costs for facilities.
Researchers argue that providing free drug samples to patients is ineffective in improving access for the indigent, promotes irrational prescribing habits, and raises healthcare costs. The practice also leads to misused samples being distributed to those who cannot afford them, compromising health care quality.
A Commonwealth Fund study finds that seven of 10 working-age women in the US have no health insurance coverage or inadequate coverage, leading to medical bill and debt problems. Women are more likely to experience financial burdens from health care costs, with 52% reporting difficulties accessing needed care.
A recent study reveals that approximately 6.3 million adults in the US with undiagnosed diabetes account for an estimated $18 billion in health care costs each year. The economic toll of undiagnosed diabetes is significantly higher than previously thought, rising to over $192 billion annually.
A new study from Brandeis University estimates the economic cost of dengue fever globally at $1.8 billion annually, with a significant impact on healthcare systems and societies. The research assesses direct and indirect costs, including school absenteeism, lost productivity, and unpaid caregiver time.
Since 2004, private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have received $43 billion in extra payments, averaging $1,138 per beneficiary. This represents a 34% increase from 2008 payments and raises concerns about the cost-effectiveness of privatization.
Studies found that employees with epilepsy cost third-party payors nearly three times more on average per year compared to those without the condition. Comorbidities accounted for 80% of insurers' total annual costs for epilepsy patients.
A study found that educating ordering physicians on the risks, benefits, and alternatives of various imaging modalities reduced unneeded studies by 26%. This targeted education led to a significant decrease in CT scans and nuclear medicine studies, minimizing patient radiation exposure.
A head-to-head clinical trial will enroll approximately 400 patients at three world-class sites to compare Telesso's novel guide-wire assisted peripheral IV catheter with the industry standard. The trial aims to reduce safety risks, lessen patient pain and discomfort, and provide cost savings.
A recent study found that top-performing US hospitals experience a significant reduction in medical errors, resulting in fewer patient safety events and deaths. According to HealthGrades, the top five percent of hospitals in the US reduce medical errors by 43% compared to the poorest-performing hospitals.
A retrospective analysis of 20,713 patients with early bladder cancer found that more intensive treatment was not associated with improved overall survival. In fact, those who received more intense care were more likely to require major medical interventions later on.
A Mexican health care program created in 2003 has been found effective in reducing crippling health care costs among poorer households. The Seguro Popular program was developed to provide health care to 50 million Mexicans who otherwise would lack coverage, and its success could provide lessons for other countries.
A Commonwealth Fund-supported study found that half of non-surgical Medicare patients are readmitted without follow-up care, highlighting gaps in patient management and the need for coordinated care. The study suggests interventions to improve discharge planning, education, and follow-up care to reduce rehospitalizations.
A study found that providing housing for chronically homeless individuals with severe alcohol problems leads to significant reductions in healthcare use and costs. Housing First (HF) programs, which allow for non-abstinence-based treatment, showed cost savings of over $4 million per year.
A Seattle-based study published in JAMA found that providing stable housing to homeless alcoholics can reduce their drinking and cost taxpayers $4 million over the first year. The Housing First program resulted in an average cost-savings of 53% compared to a wait-list control group.
A study from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that low-income families with children who have chronic conditions are more likely to be enrolled in high-deductible health plans. The study analyzed data from 839 families who were switched from traditional plans to high-deductible plans, revealing a higher perce...
Researchers found that surgical ventricular reconstruction did not improve patients' survival or quality of life, but increased hospitalization costs. The study compared outcomes between patients who received bypass surgery alone and those with added SVR, revealing no significant difference in quality of life measures.
A study of over 3,000 women found that physical abuse from intimate partners results in significantly higher healthcare costs, with a 42% increase in annual spending compared to non-abused women. Women who experienced ongoing physical abuse had the highest health care costs.
The medical cost of caring for one premature baby can reach nearly $50,000, exceeding the cost of caring for a dozen healthy full-term infants. This highlights the importance of preventing preterm birth and improving maternal healthcare to reduce healthcare costs and save lives.
A Florida State University researcher is conducting a five-year study to change the approach companies take when purchasing mental health care benefits. The study aims to educate employers on how to choose effective mental health care products and promote long-term value over short-term cost savings.
A study by UCSF researchers identifies critical barriers hindering the adoption of electronic personal health records, including cost, privacy concerns, and design shortcomings. The authors propose solutions such as improving interoperability and using mobile phones as an entry point for consumers to access their records.
A study found that patients who discussed end-of-life care with their physicians had lower healthcare costs in the final week of life. Another report revealed higher healthcare costs among black and Hispanic patients compared to white patients, regardless of cause of death. The findings highlight racial disparities in end-of-life care.
A national study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that women with suspected coronary artery disease who suffer from depression have significantly higher health care costs. Depression was associated with a 15-53% increase in cardiovascular costs over five years, translating to $1,550-$3,300 higher annual costs.
A University of Pennsylvania team has successfully demonstrated a noninvasive optical device to monitor cerebral blood flow in acute stroke patients. The technology uses diffuse correlation spectroscopy to detect physiological changes, providing continuous bedside monitoring of brain blood flow and metabolism.
A recent study found that team-based diabetes care improves health outcomes for Medicaid patients, including significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1C. However, the study suggests that this approach does not result in lower treatment costs under Medicare and Medicaid.
A comprehensive set of insurance, payment, and system reforms could guarantee affordable health insurance coverage, improve health outcomes, and slow the growth of health spending. The report recommends creating a national insurance exchange, aligning incentives with value and cost control, and promoting patient-centered care.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center reveals that delayed treatment for heart attacks using drugs alone is as effective as treatment with stents, offering a cheaper and less invasive option. The research found modest benefits in reducing chest pain but no long-term quality of life difference between the two approaches.
A new UCSF study using the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model found that adherence to 2001 NCEP guidelines would be cost-effective in preventing and managing coronary heart disease, saving 20,000 heart attacks and 10,000 CHD deaths annually. Statin costs become negligible when prices fall below 50 cents per pill.
A new UK study shows that using NIOX MINO to measure inflammation in asthma patients can lead to a £341-£554 annual cost saving. This is achieved by optimizing treatment, reducing visits to casualty and hospital admissions, and lowering cortisone inhaler doses.
Researchers estimate that truth saved $1.9 billion in health care costs associated with tobacco use by preventing youth from starting to smoke. The campaign's expansion would be an excellent public health investment due to its cost-effectiveness.
A new UNC study finds that chronic low-back pain has more than doubled in North Carolina since the early 1990s, with a significant increase in prevalence across all ages and racial groups. The study suggests that increased healthcare costs for back problems may be due to rising prevalence rather than increased service use.
Chronic stress can lead to neglected oral hygiene habits, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Regular exercise, balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help maintain healthy teeth and gums, reducing stress's negative impact on overall health and potentially lowering healthcare expenses.
The EXPRESS study found that urgent assessment and treatment of minor stroke patients in a specialist clinic reduces recurrent strokes by 80% and fatal/disabling strokes by 0.3%. This results in lower hospital admissions, bed-days, and costs, generating £624 savings per patient.
A retrospective study of 235,473 patients found that traditional open appendectomies may be preferable to laparoscopic surgeries due to higher costs and increased risks. The study suggests that the benefits of laparoscopic surgery are limited in most cases, contradicting recent trends.
A new study from the University of Minnesota finds that cellulosic ethanol has fewer negative effects on human health due to lower emissions of fine particulate matter. The study estimates that transitioning to cellulosic ethanol could reduce environmental and health costs by as much as half compared to gasoline.
A new re-engineered hospital discharge program, RED, has been designed to reduce hospital utilization within 30 days of discharge. The study found that the intervention resulted in a 33.9% lower observed cost for patients who received the program compared to those in the usual care group.
Researchers at Rice University and Duke University Medical Center found no increase in death rates after states dropped regulations on heart procedures. Dropping CON rules led to increased entry of new cardiac-care facilities, potentially raising costs per procedure.
A study found that hospitals in states where Medicaid does not cover routine male circumcision are half as likely to perform the procedure, leading to increased risk of HIV infection among lower-income children. The study also highlights disparities in healthcare services for Hispanic communities.
A Texas study shows that hospitals with automated health information systems have fewer complications, lower death rates, and reduced costs. The research found that increased automation of clinical information systems was associated with a 15% decrease in in-hospital deaths for patients with heart attacks.
A study found that increased use of health information technology (HIT) in hospitals led to fewer patient deaths, complications, and lower healthcare costs. The use of electronic notes, order entry, and clinical decision support systems was associated with significant reductions in mortality rates.
The article explores the growing trend of health tourism and global healthcare trade, highlighting the benefits and concerns surrounding cross-border e-health services, private healthcare abroad, foreign direct investment in healthcare, and migration of healthcare professionals. Key findings include the increasing demand for low-cost m...
The study highlights two countries that effectively cover all but one percent of their population through individual mandates and premium assistance. They also curb high administrative costs, spending about five percent on healthcare compared to seven percent in the US.
The DIAMOND study found that treatment success is similar for patients receiving step-up or step-down treatment for new onset indigestion. However, the step-up strategy was more cost-effective at six months due to lower medication costs.
A study by the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry found that basic science research requires significant institutional support. The study calculated the total expenses for 25 new faculty members and found a shortfall of $39.9 million, requiring additional funding from other sources.
Several congressional proposals aim to cover the uninsured through expanded Medicare coverage, building on public programs and group purchase of private insurance. These plans demonstrate that universal coverage can be achieved with little or no additional total health spending.
Physicians warn that assigning monetary value to every aspect of a doctor's time could impair quality and increase costs. Experiments show money-primed subjects are less willing to help others in need. A new trend in primary care, the 'patient-centered medical home,' aims to restore balance by compensating for unreimbursed time.
A comprehensive study of nearly 150,000 people in six states found that substance abuse increases medical care costs for other health problems. The study suggests that targeting older adults with substance abuse disorders could lead to significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.
A study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center suggests that decompressive surgery without fusion for spinal stenosis offers good value and that fusion surgery for spondylolithesis offers less value. The study analyzed over 3,900 patients and found that laminectomy costs $77,000 per QALY gained, while spinal fusion surgery co...
A new report suggests that routine dental cleanings and periodontal scaling can lower medical care costs for people with diabetes. The study found significant reductions in medical expenses, with costs decreasing by an average of 11-12% per month.
A study found that psychiatric patients in Medicare plans with equal cost sharing for mental health services had higher use of those services compared to those in plans with greater cost sharing. Individuals in full-parity plans were more likely to visit a mental health practitioner within 7 and 30 days after a hospitalization.
A simple questionnaire can replace a doctor's exam to qualify for a job, providing a more accurate forecast of competency. The test is highly effective, with 98% accuracy, and can help those previously deemed unemployable find suitable work. This innovation brings excellent news for employers, reducing medical costs and litigation risks.