Research on the cost of health care and how to control it. Covers cardiovascular care in Latin America, emergency-visit costs, insulin pricing, and screening gaps.
A study suggests that more frequent hemodialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may improve their quality of life and cut down on hospitalizations. However, the increased costs of delivering hemodialysis may outweigh the benefits unless significant cost reductions are achieved.
Gary Banks argues that a more cost-effective health system is necessary to address increasing demand and costs. The Productivity Commission Chairman suggests potential solutions include policy initiatives in various areas of healthcare.
A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment reveals that 14% of hospital admissions are due to alcohol/drug abuse and addiction disorders. The study found that these disorders were associated with significantly higher hospital costs, particularly for opioid abuse, which increased by 482%.
The study found that patients aged 50 had the highest costs, while those claiming benefits also experienced increased costs due to unemployment, low education, and living alone. Effective prevention programs can lower expenses in both private and public sectors.
A new study predicts a shortage of primary care physicians in the US, with an expected increase of 29% in doctor visits and less than 5% in supply by 2025. The researchers call for incentives to increase numbers of primary care practitioners and development of new models of primary care.
Researchers recommend HIV screening for most adults aged 55 to 75 due to its cost-effectiveness and potential to prolong life. The study found that screening in this age group could add half a year to the life of an HIV-positive patient under 65 and four months for those over 65.
Researchers found that total hip replacements improve physical functioning and increase ability to care for oneself in seniors with osteoarthritis. The study also showed cost savings for the healthcare system due to reduced long-term disability costs.
After a motorcycle helmet law was repealed, the number of head injuries among motorcyclists increased by 32% and hospitalizations rose by 42%. The study suggests that universal helmet laws can help protect riders and lower healthcare costs.
A new report by CAMH estimates that implementing six interventions would result in cost savings of about $1 billion per year, saving close to 26,000 years of life lost due to premature death. Brief interventions were the most effective measure to avoid other alcohol-attributable criminal activities.
The cost of cancer care for elderly patients in the US increased significantly between 1991 and 2002 due to rising costs of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The average cost per patient for lung, colorectal, and breast cancers rose substantially during this period.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund estimates that 25.2 million adults in the US are underinsured, facing high out-of-pocket medical expenses and financial stress. This number has increased by 60% since 2003, with middle and higher-income families hit hardest.
Researchers found that primary care visits in the preceding year are associated with fewer hospital days, lower costs, and less in-hospital death among Medicare beneficiaries. Providing more primary care may improve quality of end-of-life care while reducing time spent in hospitals and overall costs.
A study analyzing US employer data found patients taking AVONEX reported significantly less sick leave, costs, and lost time compared to Copaxone. This suggests that AVONEX allows patients to maintain a normal lifestyle while reducing economic burdens on employers and healthcare insurers.
Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a quicker and cheaper way to screen patients with chest pain for low-risk cardiac problems. Studies show CTA can accurately identify safe patients for discharge, reducing hospital admissions and testing costs.
A new TB treatment using Rifampin for four months is more effective than the current nine-month standard, saving healthcare systems $10,000 per patient. This shorter treatment also leads to better compliance rates and lower costs.
The American College of Physicians recommends establishing a national research organization to improve physician and patient access to clinical and cost-effectiveness information. This would help address the current lack of reliable data on healthcare interventions' effectiveness, leading to more informed decision-making.
A randomized trial found that chronic disease management programs significantly reduced healthcare claims for low-risk patients, while having mixed results for high-risk patients. The study also showed a positive fiscal impact of chronic care management for low-risk congestive heart failure patients.
The American Society of Nephrology emphasizes the importance of medical research in improving healthcare and reducing costs. Research advancements have led to cost-effective solutions such as vaccines and disease treatments, benefiting human lives and the economy.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry estimates that major mental disorders result in significant losses of human productivity, with individuals with serious mental illness earning approximately $22,545 per year. The total economic burden is attributed to lost earnings and increased likelihood of unemployment.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that 90% of high-cost hospitalizations for young children were linked to influenza. The researchers also identified that 65% of high-cost visits required ICU stays, emphasizing the importance of immunizing children with high-risk conditions.
19 million full-time workers and dependents are uninsured, with 11 million on public programs; public spending increases from $31b to $45b between 1999 and 2004. Low-wage workers face growing gap in health care access and coverage.
Researchers found that elderly patients with ICDs had a 38% lower mortality rate compared to those without, with 13% dying in the first year after implantation. The study also showed that health care costs associated with ICDs were comparable to other treatments for congestive heart failure after six months.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute estimates that Medicare costs for elderly cancer patients will top $21.1 billion over a 5-year period. The estimated cost varies widely depending on tumor type, stage at diagnosis, and phase of care.
Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a system that uses cell phones for medical imaging, reducing costs and increasing accessibility. The system consists of a data acquisition device connected to a central server where the image is processed, making it possible to view images on a cell phone screen.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will solicit public input on establishing a HCPCS code for medicinal maggots. Medical maggots have been used in the US for over 80 years and can save thousands of dollars in medical costs, but CMS has not provided reimbursement codes.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that seniors who develop serious illnesses later in life lose more of their savings. The study compared the long-term financial repercussions of pre-existing chronic health problems with those caused by the sudden onset of a new health problem late in life. Participants over 70 ...
HealthGrades study reveals medical errors cost Medicare program $8.8 billion and result in 1.1 million patient safety incidents, with top-performing hospitals having 43% lower incident rate. Potentially preventable deaths total 238,337, and could have been avoided at a savings of over $2 billion.
Research suggests that households with children with autism spend thousands on educational, behavioral, and healthcare expenses each year. Additionally, they miss out on household income due to the 'money in, money out' equation, resulting in a loss of $6,200 annually.
A new analysis by George Washington University Medical Center found that 15% of hospitality industry employees suffer from serious alcohol-related problems. Workplace screening and brief intervention can help reduce excessive alcohol use in the workplace.
A recent study published in Medical Care found that patients who receive free drug samples have significantly higher out-of-pocket prescription costs than those who don't. The study analyzed data from over 5,700 patients and found that patients receiving samples spent an estimated $244 for a six-month period.
A new Penn study reveals that college-age females experience high levels of discomfort about being weighed in public, potentially leading to missed health tests and treatments. The study's findings suggest that women may avoid doctor visits due to embarrassment, highlighting the importance of private weighing for improved health outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that chewing gum stimulates smooth muscle fibers and salivary gland secretion, aiding in bowel movement recovery after surgery. The study involved 102 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, with those who chewed gum experiencing faster recovery times.
A new UCLA report calculates that the federal poverty line grossly underestimates the basic costs of living for California's seniors, with average annual costs ranging from $21,011 to $37,263. The Elder Index provides a more comprehensive look at expenses elders face.
The University of New Hampshire's Recycled Materials Resource Management Center is developing criteria for green roads, which could lead to sweeping reforms in the construction industry. The center's research focuses on reducing the environmental impacts of road-building, such as carbon footprint and stormwater runoff generation.
Researchers found that Group Health patients who regularly used their SilverSneakers benefit experienced significantly fewer inpatient admissions and lower total health care costs. Regular physical activity can help prevent falls, heart attacks, and diabetes complications.
A study analyzing US adult data from 1997-2005 found that expenditures for back and neck problems increased substantially, with a 65% inflation-adjusted rise. Despite this, health outcomes such as functional disability and work limitations did not improve.
A team approach to treating depression in older adults reduces total healthcare costs, with patients receiving IMPACT care having lower average costs over a four-year period. The cost-effectiveness of the IMPACT model makes it an attractive option for health organizations, which have already implemented it to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers estimate that preventing obesity could reduce healthcare costs for healthy individuals due to their longer lifespan and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The study found the opposite: obese individuals and smokers had lower lifetime healthcare costs compared to healthy non-smokers.
The study found an annual bone fracture rate of 3.6% in the UK population, with men having a higher rate than women, and manual workers more prone to fractures. The lifetime fracture rate among white people was almost double that of black and minority ethnic people.
A study analyzing 9 EU countries found significant variations in healthcare treatment costs, with prices ranging from €1290 to €8739 per patient. The cost differences between Eastern European and other EU member states create opportunities for cross-border trade.
Researchers used industrial modeling to examine access to head cooling devices and found better availability can reduce permanent damage from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy by 23%, saving lives and reducing severe neurodevelopment impairment. The study also estimated annual savings of $4.4 million in Massachusetts.
A University of Utah study found that drivers on cell phones drive slower, make fewer lane changes, and have lower overall speeds, leading to increased travel times. This can substantially reduce traffic flow, increasing congestion on highways.
The management of glaucoma costs the US healthcare system approximately $2.5 billion per year, with glaucoma medications accounting for 38-52% of direct costs. Non-selective ß-blockers remain the most inexpensive class of glaucoma medications, while brand-name ß-blockers are consistently more expensive than their generic counterparts.
A new study estimated the costs of providing comprehensive screening and diagnostic services to under- or uninsured, low-income women. The median cost of screening a woman for breast cancer was $94, while the cost per detected case was $10,566. For cervical cancer, these costs were $56 and $13,340, respectively.
A large-scale study found that patients cared for by hospitalists had shorter hospital stays and lower treatment costs, with modestly lower mortality rates compared to general internists and family physicians. The study's findings support the benefits of hospitalist care and highlight its potential to improve healthcare efficiency.
A Kaiser Permanente-funded study will analyze the medical records of 175,000 adults to find ways to improve cardiovascular care nationwide. The two-year study aims to connect adherence to evidence-based care guidelines with risk of disease events.
A study by Group Health Research Institute found that children of mothers with a history of abuse have higher health care needs, including increased costs for mental health services. The research highlights the importance of screening women for intimate partner violence and providing interventions to minimize its effects on families.
A RAND Corporation study analyzed research on disease management programs for six chronic conditions, finding consistent evidence that these programs improve healthcare quality and patient-reported quality of life. However, the study found little to no evidence of cost savings, highlighting the need for further research.
A multidrug regimen targeting high-risk individuals for cardiovascular disease could avert 17.9 million deaths globally, representing one-fifth of chronic disease-related deaths. The strategy would require an average yearly cost of $1.08 across 23 countries, with lower costs in low-income settings.
The American College of Physicians proposes a pluralistic system with government and private organizations ensuring universal access, or a single-payer system with lower administrative costs. The organization also recommends improving patient care coordination, disease prevention, and reducing healthcare administration costs.
A recent study by Oregon Health & Science University finds that low-income families face three major barriers to healthcare: lack of insurance coverage, poor access to services, and unaffordable costs. Families with public health insurance often reported feeling unwelcome and having difficulty accessing care due to long travel distances.
A study presented at RSNA suggests that CT scans can diagnose heart disease in low-risk patients, reducing hospital stays from 12 hours to just over 9 hours. This could lead to significant cost savings and improved resource utilization in emergency departments.
A recent study found that patients with severe periodontal disease incur higher overall health care expenses compared to those with no periodontal disease. Treating periodontal diseases early on using simple non-surgical techniques can help restore a healthy mouth and potentially lower total health care costs.
A new study by University of Bristol scientists found that red blood cell transfusions may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in cardiac surgery patients, regardless of haemoglobin levels or age. The research suggests a three-fold increase in complications arising from lack of oxygen to key organs.
A survey of large US employers found that few use physician quality data to improve health benefit quality, despite efforts to promote value-based purchasing. Employers reported skepticism about the effectiveness of value-based purchasing strategies.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics reveals that babies born just a few weeks premature are at increased risk of death during their first week of life. The study found that late preterm infants face a six-fold higher mortality rate compared to full-term infants.
Researchers found that adding stents to clot-busting therapy after the optimal treatment window ends doesn't provide significant long-term benefits. The study, which looked at 951 patients, also revealed higher medical costs associated with delayed angioplasty.
Researchers found that routine mammograms for breast cancer screening in older women on dialysis are unlikely to outweigh the costs, given their reduced life expectancy. The study suggests that breast cancer screening may not provide significant benefits for this population.
A Commonwealth Fund survey finds US adults are most likely to report medical errors, go without care due to costs, and support rebuilding the healthcare system. The US ranks last in saying only minor changes are needed, with high out-of-pocket costs and great problems paying medical bills.
A recent study found that one in every 1,300 blood donors tested positive for dengue virus in Puerto Rico, highlighting the risk of transfusion-associated transmission. The disease is also grossly underreported globally, with an estimated 8 million cases and nearly 20,000 deaths projected annually.