Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
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.
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 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 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 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.
The NHS spends £16 million a year on specialized bath products for eczema, despite lack of evidence showing their effectiveness. Healthcare professionals often recommend them to patients, but experts disagree on their value.
Two studies find a direct link between increased elective caesarean sections and decreased weekend births in Switzerland and Germany. The research suggests that hospitals schedule births during the week when they are fully resourced and staff is working 'normal' hours, leading to fewer births on weekends.
A recent study found that diabetics who use insulin pens have significantly lower healthcare costs compared to those who use syringes. The annual average healthcare costs were nearly $17,000 lower for pen users than for syringe users, resulting in substantial savings to diabetics and their insurers.
A systematic review of 46 randomized trials found that shorter, family-based heart health programs are just as effective as longer, specialist-led alternatives. These programs can improve life expectancy and reduce hospitalizations, making them a more efficient option for patients with less complex heart disease.
A study published in the August 2007 Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that adding a lifestyle intervention led by a registered dietitian to usual care for obese people with type 2 diabetes did not increase health-care costs. Instead, it may result in cost savings of up to $8,046 per person per year.
Researchers suggest taking oral targeted cancer therapies like lapatinib with food to increase absorption and reduce dosage, resulting in significant cost savings. This approach could cut the needed dose of lapatinib by at least 60% and lower its monthly cost from $2,900 to $1,740.
Research at Harvard Medical School found that uninsured adults before age 65 require more intensive and costlier care than those with private insurance. This can lead to costly complications and reduced health needs after age 65.
A review of previous studies found that increased prescription drug cost sharing is associated with lower rates of drug treatment and worse patient adherence. For chronic conditions, higher cost sharing may lead to increased use of medical services.
As dialysis care becomes more cost-controlled, nephrologists play a crucial role in maintaining the unique relationship between patients and kidney specialists. The ASN urges a renewed focus on this relationship to ensure high-quality patient care.
Research reveals that patients with insomnia pay approximately three times more in health plan-paid costs than those without insomnia. Mental health-related costs are also seven times greater for insomnia patients.
Patients treated by chiropractors had lower utilization costs and higher patient satisfaction levels than conventional medical doctors. The study found that patients visiting chiropractors experienced fewer hospitalizations, surgeries, and pharmaceutical use.
The University of Georgia study reveals that violence incurs significant economic costs, with the majority falling on males aged 15 to 44. The research highlights the benefits of preventing interpersonal and self-inflicted violence through targeted interventions.
A quality improvement program in federally qualified community health centers improved diabetes care, reducing patients' lifetime risk of blindness, kidney disease, and coronary artery disease. The program cost less than $500 per patient each year and is projected to save the healthcare system millions.
A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that pharmacist care can significantly improve medication adherence among heart-failure patients. By providing customized educational materials and regular reminders, pharmacists can help patients take their medications consistently, leading to lower health-care costs and...
The study demonstrates that MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an effective option for treating uterine fibroids, offering rapid and sustained relief from symptoms. The treatment has a reduced need for alternative, invasive treatments in the future.
A recent study found that radiology residents use approximately 15% of their average annual salary for educational expenses. Senior residents reported an average out-of-pocket expense of $7,515 for review courses and board examinations, with many struggling to pay off student loans from medical school.
Migraines significantly impact employers, resulting in $28.7 billion annual losses. Employers who screen for and treat migraines may see improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower costs.
A six-week free weight training program successfully restored physical function in 96% of workers with severe rotator cuff injuries. The majority (75%) returned to their previous job, with all but one participant reporting high satisfaction. This innovative approach promises cost-effective solutions for employers and payors.
The cost of treating arthritis in the US has more than doubled between 1998 and 2003 due to the increasing number of people with the disease and inflation-adjusted prescription costs. Total medical care expenditures for arthritis patients increased by $88 billion annually, with estimated incremental costs reaching $81 billion.
The study found a significant increase in arthritis prevalence from 36.8 million to 46.1 million adults between 1997 and 2003. Medical expenditures for prescription drugs almost doubled during this period, while inpatient expenditures declined, resulting in stable total medical care spending for individuals with arthritis.
Researchers found that treating expectant mothers with 17 Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone caproate reduces short-term and lifetime medical costs in offspring by an estimated $2 billion annually. This could lead to significant cost savings for the US healthcare system, making it a promising preventive measure against preterm births.
Studies show obese workers are more likely to file workers' compensation claims for injuries on the job. Older Americans with a BMI of 25-30 have a higher risk of disability but lower risk of death compared to those within the recommended weight range.
Workers with obesity filed twice the number of workers' compensation claims, had seven times higher medical costs, and lost 13 times more days of work compared to non-obese workers. Obesity was also linked to higher risk jobs and more severe injuries.