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 new RAND Corporation study found that a small fraction of America's health care spending is used to provide publicly supported care to the nation's undocumented immigrants. The study estimates that $1.1 billion in federal, state and local government funds are spent annually on health care for undocumented immigrants aged 18 to 64.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that anti-thymocyte globulin reduces acute rejection incidence by 15.6% compared to basiliximab in high-risk kidney transplant patients. The treatment is expected to save millions of dollars in healthcare costs by preventing immune attacks and organ loss.
A new cost-benefit analysis suggests that the most expensive combination cancer treatment may actually be the most cost-effective in the long run. The study found that patients who received induction chemotherapy and radiation therapy had better outcomes and saved money on treating complications and recurrences.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reports that hospital costs for influenza-related admissions in children are significantly higher than previously thought, with costs ranging from $7,000 to $40,000. The study supports the economic case for annual flu vaccinations, especially for high-risk conditions.
A Harvard study analyzing national opinion surveys found that health care is unlikely to determine the outcome of the November 7 congressional elections. However, certain health care issues such as health care costs and access to care for the uninsured are more salient in individual congressional races.
A new study of 20,000 patients found that contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) significantly reduces costs compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The study, conducted by the VA Cooperative Studies, suggests that CE-MRA could have saved the system over $13 million in costs during a 6-year period.
Two studies at ACG suggest that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who take medications as directed incur lower medical costs compared to non-compliant patients. Compliance rates were poor overall, but improved with age and education, with the elderly and younger patients scoring poorly.
Patients treated with REMICADE experienced a significant reduction in hospitalizations, with a mean of 12 per 100 patients compared to 22 for placebo recipients. The treatment also showed benefits in reducing healthcare costs associated with hospitalization, outpatient care, and emergency room visits.
A new study will investigate how Australians navigate work-life balance, with a focus on parents and the role of family-friendly policies. The research, funded by the Australian Research Council, aims to provide insight into cross-cultural differences between Western individualistic societies and more collectivist Asian societies.
Two studies in Florida found that economic pressure from hospitals and insurance companies can negatively affect the quality of care for some people, particularly those in prison. Researchers suggest that standard protocols and decision support systems can help prevent bias and prioritizing in patient care.
The economic cost of HIV/AIDS in the US is estimated to be $36.4 billion annually, with minorities facing higher indirect costs due to lost productivity. The study suggests that universal access to antiretroviral therapy could reduce costs and improve outcomes.
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund finds that nearly nine of 10 individuals who seek individual market health insurance are unable to secure coverage due to unaffordability or pre-existing conditions. Those with high-deductible plans face significant cost burdens, including higher out-of-pocket expenses and increased medical debt.
According to researchers at Harvard University and the University of Michigan, healthcare in America has been cost-effective overall. The study found that improved healthcare contributed significantly to increased life expectancy, with 70% of gains attributed to reductions in cardiovascular disease deaths.
A study published in Circulation found that the financial burden on women with chest pain and blocked coronary arteries can total more than $1 million during their lifetime. Women with nonobstructive coronary artery disease also face significant costs, including higher drug expenses.
According to a study published in Circulation, treating chest pain associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) could cost a woman more than $1 million during her lifetime. Women with nonobstructive CAD experienced higher healthcare costs due to ongoing angina symptoms.
Two-fifths of US adults report experiencing unsafe, wasteful, or poorly coordinated healthcare. This is a significant concern, as three-quarters of adults advocate fundamental changes in the healthcare system.
A study projects ischemic stroke costs to reach $1.52 trillion from 2005-2050, with African Americans and Hispanics facing higher costs. The American Academy of Neurology urges Congress to increase NIH funding to halt the impending epidemic and save lives.
Estimated costs of ischemic stroke in the US will exceed $2.2 trillion by 2050, with non-Hispanic whites facing a cost of $1.52 trillion and African Americans facing a higher per capita cost of $25,782. The study highlights ethnic disparities in stroke-related healthcare access and outcomes.
A study by the University of Alberta found that forest fires can cause substantial increases in human health risks, resulting in mortality risk, restricted activity days, and acute respiratory symptoms. The study estimated economic losses of $9-12 million from a 2001 fire in Chisholm, Alberta.
As heart procedures increase, it's essential to monitor success of new treatments and technology to keep costs down and quality high. Financial incentives from insurance companies and peer review teams can help improve care while reducing expenses.
Researchers say international patent laws and US-negotiated trade agreements are impeding access to life-saving HIV medicines, particularly in resource-poor settings. The current intellectual property law allows pharmaceutical companies to monopolize markets, making treatments unaffordable for many.
COPD and asthma are major economic burdens on Swedish society, with annual costs totaling SEK 9.1 billion and SEK 3.7 billion respectively. These lung diseases significantly degrade quality of life, especially severe cases of COPD and asthma.
Researchers conclude that enzyme urokinase is the primary treatment against infection in the lung lining due to its cost-effectiveness. The study suggests a significant healthcare savings of $15 million if used as the first line of treatment for pediatric empyema.
Doctors are practicing defensive medicine due to fear of legal liability, resulting in unnecessary treatment and wasted resources. The study suggests that limiting damages and increasing competition can improve medical practice and enhance patient access to care.
A Mayo Clinic study found that older people and those with chronic illnesses have the highest rates of end-of-life intensive care unit (ICU) use. The study also found that expanding alternative health care settings, such as nursing homes or hospice care, might be a more cost-effective way to fund end-of-life care.
A study by Dahlia Remler and Sherry Glied found that Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may not reduce healthcare spending for the lowest and biggest spenders. In fact, cost-sharing increases for mid-range spenders, while tax subsidies benefit higher-income individuals disproportionately.
Independent experts argue that UK's National Health Service (NHS) can be saved through clear planning and implementation by those without personal conflict of interest. The current system is plagued by mismanagement, staff demotivation, and high costs, with privatization unlikely to improve outcomes.
A study of 4,285 civil officers aged 40-59 years found that those with severe periodontitis incurred 21% higher total medical and dental costs compared to those without pathological pockets. Dental costs for men with severe periodontitis were two-fold higher than those without the condition.
A study found that establishments with monthly staff meetings were less likely to serve intoxicated customers, while those with inexperienced managers were more likely to do so. This has implications for alcohol control policies and the importance of regular staff training.
A new study suggests that prepaying benefits for diabetes prevention could save healthcare costs by preventing millions of individuals from developing the disease. By sharing costs with employers and individuals, private health insurers and Medicare can cover lifestyle interventions, reducing the economic impact of obesity and diabetes.
Rates of hip bone loss increase with age among white and non-white men, particularly those over 75. Osteoporosis in men results from declining estrogen levels, leading to brittle bones prone to fracture. The study predicts a 56% increase in male osteoporotic fractures and associated costs by 2025.
Researchers found that a single bout of overeating from supersizing a fast-food meal can result in significant hidden financial costs, including increased energy needs, medical care, and vehicle expenses. The study's findings suggest that these costs can outweigh the initial savings of upsizing a meal, making it a less affordable option.
A new study found that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans can be a bad deal for beneficiaries in poor health, with some facing annual out-of-pocket costs of up to $7,522. Despite extra payments to MA plans, many vulnerable enrollees are still at risk of not getting needed healthcare services due to high cost burdens.
Cardiovascular disease costs UK economy £29 billion a year, with healthcare expenses representing 60% of the total. The largest component was hospital inpatient care, which accounted for nearly two thirds of NHS expenditure on cardiovascular diseases.
Employees in small firms pay 18% more for health insurance due to higher administrative costs and lower negotiated rates with insurers. States with urban populations tend to have better-adjusted premiums, while rural states face higher costs.
A study found that near 100 percent mammography recall compliance can be achieved with minimal additional cost, saving healthcare dollars. The program involved tracking down noncompliant patients and resulted in one early curable breast cancer diagnosis, justifying the low cost of 16 cents per screening patient.
A cost-effectiveness study found that six out of eight newborn screening tests were not only cost-effective but also cost-saving. The tests identified rare disorders such as hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria, which can have significant impacts on children's health and development.
A study analyzing NINDS-supported clinical trials found a 4600% return on investment and estimated benefits of over $50 billion. The studies improved health outcomes and saved lives, with some trials showing benefits of over $6 billion.
A study estimated the costs and benefits of 28 US NIH-funded phase III clinical trials, finding a total cost of $335 million and a projected net benefit of over $15 billion at 10 years. The trials led to significant improvements in public health.
A new study finds that health care spending generates significant health benefits, with a return on investment of $1.55 to $1.94 for every dollar spent. The research demonstrates the value of estimating the impact of health care investments and challenges policymakers to consider cost-effectiveness in their decision-making.
Research finds that abdominal fat is a significant contributor to exercise-induced shortness of breath in obese individuals, surpassing the effects of overall weight. The study highlights the importance of targeted weight loss and adapted exercise recommendations for patients with high amounts of abdominal fat.
The HealthGrades study reveals a significant increase in hospital incidents, with Medicare patients experiencing one-in-four chance of dying during hospitalization. Top-performing hospitals and states like Minnesota show progress in patient safety, with potential cost savings of $2.45 billion.
Patients taking newer thiazolidinedione (TZD) medications had lower hospitalization rates and reduced healthcare costs compared to those on older metformin or sulfonylurea. The study found that TZDs resulted in an average annual savings of $920-$1,760.
Researchers suggest using a microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) test to help determine which patients need implanted defibrillators, reducing costs for Medicare. The study estimates that this approach could save $690 million annually.
A two-year study found that early periodontal treatment results in lower medical costs for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and CAD patients. The study involved 144,225 patients with both medical and dental insurance.
A new communication system is being tested at Cleveland-area hospitals to address family decision-making with critically ill patients. The system aims to provide families comfort and support while reducing costs and length of stay in ICUs.
A study analyzing healthcare utilization data for HIV-infected patients found that HAART is cost-effective as long as patients stick to treatment. However, the study also revealed significant disparities in healthcare costs between healthier and sicker patients, highlighting inadequate reimbursement to treating physicians and clinics.
The European Union has faced a staggering €169 billion economic burden due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), accounting for 12% of all healthcare expenditures. CVD resulted in 2 million deaths and 4.4 million people being severely hampered by daily activities, highlighting the need for policy makers to prioritize research spending.
The US healthcare system faces significant challenges, with high costs and a growing number of uninsured individuals. Bush's proposed initiatives are unlikely to address these issues, as electronic records may not significantly reduce health costs and HSAs could exacerbate the problem.
The polypill could slash the risk of coronary artery disease by 88% and stroke by 80% in those aged between 55 and 64. However, its widespread treatment would require a significant annual expense, with costs ranging from £208 to £282 per person, depending on age and risk level.
A Purdue University study found that older adults who receive daily assistance with basic tasks like bathing and dressing are less likely to be hospitalized for acute illnesses. After six weeks of help, hospital admissions significantly declined, suggesting that home-based care can reduce healthcare costs while improving quality of life.
A new study found that taking medication for overactive bladder syndrome as prescribed can significantly reduce annual healthcare costs. The research, published in the Journal of Urology, shows that participants who took their medication properly saved around $3,700 compared to those who didn't.
Increasing RN staff saves 6,700 lives annually, while greater use of RNs also reduces hospital stays and complications, such as urinary arrest and upper GI bleeding. The study concludes that increasing RN staffing is a cost-effective strategy for improving quality and containing costs in hospitals.
The study found that direct ophthalmology-related resource use increased with disease severity, resulting in higher costs. The average direct cost of treatment ranged from $623 to $2,511 per patient per year, with medication costs being the largest proportion of total direct cost.
The average annual cost of treating and managing adolescent pain is over £8,000 per patient, with a conservative estimate of £3.8 billion for the UK as a whole. Chronic pain in adolescence has significant financial and social consequences, including high levels of distress, increased healthcare usage, and reduced academic performance.
The African-American Heart Failure Trial showed that patients treated with the medication had lower health care costs, averaging $15,384 over a 12-month period. The study found that the medication was cost-effective, even when factoring in the cost of the drug itself.
A team care model, including a case manager and primary care provider, results in better outcomes for treating clinical depression. The IMPACT program provides powerful health benefits, including decreased depression and pain, improved physical functioning, and better overall quality of life.
A new study has found that chiropractic care is a cost-effective treatment option for chronic low-back pain, with lower costs and comparable patient outcomes compared to traditional medical care. Chiropractic care resulted in clinically significant improvements in pain and disability reduction for both acute and chronic patients.
A recent study found that 37% of health service costs in the UK are attributable to food-related diseases, with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes accounting for most of this burden. The estimated annual cost is £6 billion, double that of road traffic accidents and significantly higher than the cost of smoking.
The Lancet reports a growing global burden of diabetic foot disease and amputation, affecting an estimated 25% of people with diabetes. Prevention measures such as foot-care services and simple clinical tests can reduce the risk of complications, but are often ignored in many countries.