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.
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.
A new report by the National Women's Law Center finds that women are more likely to struggle with medical bills and go without needed care due to high healthcare costs. The report also highlights a gender gap in health coverage, with more women than men facing underinsurance or uninsured status.
A computer model suggests that teaching hospitals may incur significant financial costs if they replace surgical residents with other clinicians due to restructuring staffing. The study found potential costs ranging from $113,000 to over $6 million over a five-year period.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and MIT found that self-management tools reduce medical costs and improve treatment quality. Examples of such tools include patient-controlled insulin dosing and medication adjustments based on symptoms.
Research reveals that athletes with acute lateral ankle sprains have significantly weaker balance ability when their eyes are closed. Wheelchair provision varies by demographic characteristics, with disparities found in the standard of care within the Veterans Health Administration. Near-infrared spectroscopy measures cerebral oxygenat...
A new study by Harvard researchers suggests that eradicating polio is a more cost-effective option than maintaining control of the disease. The analysis found that eradication would ultimately result in lower cumulative costs and cases compared to control, despite initial high costs.
The report estimates that nearly 60% of people with type 2 diabetes have at least one serious health complication, including heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Estimated annual healthcare costs for a person with type 2 diabetes complications exceed $10,000.
A $2.5 million grant will expand Care Management Plus, a technology-intensive primary care model that reduces hospitalizations and improves health outcomes for older adults with chronic illnesses. The program has shown promising results in initial studies, including better blood sugar control and reduced mortality rates.
A new study in The Lancet suggests that universal newborn screening for cystic fibrosis is associated with lower treatment costs and reduced hospital admissions. This could lead to cost savings that offset the costs of the screening program, making it a more viable option globally.
A study estimates that individuals with autism incur approximately $35 billion in annual costs to society, primarily due to lost productivity and adult care. These costs can be felt well into adulthood, highlighting the need for financial planning and counseling for families of children with autism.
The HealthGrades study found that patient-safety incidents rose 3% over the years 2003 to 2005, resulting in 1.16 million preventable incidents and 247,662 deaths. Top-performing hospitals had a 40% lower rate of medical errors compared to the poorest performers.
A 5-year study found that giving nitroglycerin to mothers in preterm labor led to significant improvement in their baby's health, especially those born between 24-28 weeks. This therapy resulted in cost savings and longer-term health benefits for premature babies.
Research in Malaysia found that essential drugs are priced beyond reach of poorer members, with costs up to 16 times higher than international reference prices. The lack of affordability affects the poor and the availability of medicines is also poor, with only 25% available through public sector.
A recent report by Brandeis University reveals that health insurance fails to provide financial protection for millions of Americans, leading to widespread debt and access problems. The study highlights the need for clearer rules and standards of accountability for health insurers.
Current Congressional proposals could significantly reduce the number of uninsured Americans and decrease overall healthcare expenditures. Representative Stark's AmeriCare proposal would cover nearly all of the uninsured as well as strengthen employer-based health insurance, reducing overall health spending by $60.7 billion.
A recent study published in JAMA found that heart attack patients with financial barriers experience poorer recovery and quality of life. Patients who avoided healthcare services or medication due to cost were more likely to have increased rates of rehospitalization and lower quality-of-life scores.
The authors propose a market-based approach to increase the value of care delivered, organizing care around medical conditions and integrating treatment with prevention. Measuring results-risk-adjusted outcomes and costs-per-medical-condition is crucial for improving value.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of women over 65 have experienced physical, sexual, or psychological abuse at the hands of their spouse or intimate partner. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to screen women for domestic violence, as many cases go unreported.
A recent study published in the journal SLEEP found that treating insomnia is far less costly than ignoring it, with costs ranging from $924 to $1,143 for six months prior to treatment. The study suggests that addressing insomnia can lead to significant cost savings for individuals and employers.
A study found that pneumococcal vaccination can prevent 262,000 child deaths annually. The vaccine's net cost of $838 million is considered cost-effective due to the significant reduction in child mortality.
The Mayo Clinic suggests a reimbursement system based on value rather than traditional pay-for-performance, aiming to improve healthcare quality and reduce spending. The proposed system rewards hospitals for achieving good patient outcomes at lower costs, while penalizing those with worse outcomes.
A study found that children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis had significant direct medical costs, including $1,686 per year. The study also highlighted the importance of long-term medical and social costs in resource allocation.
A team of University of Michigan and Harvard researchers suggests abandoning the one-size-fits-all approach to health insurance by tailoring plans to individuals' specific medical needs. This value-based insurance design (VBID) approach aims to encourage patients to use evidence-based treatments, reducing healthcare costs in the long run.
Scientists at Arizona State University are working on a new DNA sequencing project that combines physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to dramatically lower the cost of genome sequencing. The goal is to make genome sequencing a routine diagnostic tool in medical care for diagnosing and treating common diseases.
Women with a history of abuse by intimate partners have significantly higher health care costs and utilization than those without such a history. The study found that annual total health care costs were 19% higher in women with a history of IPV, with increased primary care visits, specialist visits, and prescription refills.
A new study from Michigan Medicine finds significant variation in Medicare Part D prescription drug plan costs across states, even with lowest-cost plans. Seniors may face costs differing by thousands of dollars for the same medications, and within a state, the difference can be $10,000 or more.
The US healthcare system's increasing reliance on medical technology has driven cost growth, according to Rita Redberg. She proposes an evidence-based review process to balance innovation with value and improve patient care outcomes.
The Commonwealth Fund Health Care Opinion Leaders survey found that expanding coverage for the uninsured (88%) and moderating rising healthcare costs (81%) are top priorities. Experts also suggest increasing recommended care levels and reducing inappropriate services to achieve a high-performance healthcare system.
A heavier workload for hospital residents on patient admission days was associated with increased length of hospital stay, total costs, and risk of inpatient death. The study found that reducing team admission loads and maximizing availability of other resources could help minimize these outcomes.
Implementing common-sense measures like hand washing and timely catheter removal can significantly improve ICU patient safety. A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that profound improvements in infection rates can be made with minimum cost and effort.
A study found that prostate cancer treatment costs are substantial and sustained, with cumulative costs averaging $42,570 over five years. The cost of treatments varies by type, age, and disease risk, with watchful waiting being the least expensive option.
According to a study in JAMA, approximately 50 million US residents younger than 65 spend more than 10% of their family income on healthcare, up from 37.8 million in 1996. The researchers estimated that 17.1 million insured persons were underinsured, with limited financial protection from high out-of-pocket costs.
Millions of Americans have visual impairment, blindness, or eye diseases such as AMD, cataracts, and glaucoma. The estimated annual financial burden is $35.4 billion, with direct medical costs totaling $16.2 billion.
Adults in consumer-driven plans spend large shares of their income on out-of-pocket costs and premiums. People with lower incomes are less likely to contribute to their accounts.
A cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that enhanced depression screening and care can reduce costs for employers. The program, which includes telephone counseling and depression management strategies, is estimated to save $2,895 per 1,000 workers over five years due to reduced absenteeism and employee turnover costs.
A study by Allan Garland and colleagues found large differences in resource use among ICU doctors, but these variations did not affect patient outcomes. The researchers suggest that altering practice styles could reduce ICU costs without compromising care.
A study by Yale University researchers found that exempting high-value preventive services from cost sharing can preserve the use of important health benefits while controlling overall health-care costs. The study, which analyzed Alcoa's benefit plan, suggests that this approach may encourage more firms to maintain rates of preventive ...
A new study reveals that a public-designed health insurance plan can be fair and affordable for the uninsured, costing two-thirds of the average cost in California. The plan prioritizes coverage for chronic diseases and basic care, while making trade-offs to avoid high co-pays and deductibles.