Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
The Medicare+Choice program may stabilize enrollment, but its expansion is unlikely due to conflicting policy goals. The authors found that M+C plans provide significant added benefits to low-income beneficiaries.
A strong primary care system is crucial for a nation's health, with countries boasting robust systems showing the most favorable health indicators at young ages. Strong primary care is particularly important for children, as it significantly impacts postneonatal mortality rates and low birthweight.
A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that osteoporosis has significant economic costs for Californians, with Medicare paying for most hospital care and nursing home care being the largest expense. Early detection and prevention are critical to reducing these costs, which include indirect losses due to premature death.
A randomized trial found that virtual outreach services, where patients and GPs attend a video conference with specialists, resulted in more follow-up appointments (52%) and fewer tests ordered compared to standard outpatient referrals. Patients expressed greater satisfaction with virtual outreach consultations.
This study estimates the direct and indirect costs of prostate cancer in California for 1998, finding that hospitalization costs account for almost three-fifths of total costs. Prostate cancer adds significant costs to patients with comorbid conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory illness.
A study by Philip Breitfeld shows that initial hospital treatment costs can top $75,000 per child, but the average cost per year of life saved is just $2,700. Insurers lack access to data to justify spending on curative cancer therapies, leading to denied payments for high-priced procedures.
A study published in Gastroenterology reveals the top gastrointestinal and liver diseases causing financial burden, with GERD being the most expensive at $9.3 billion annually. The study estimates a total of $36 billion in direct costs and $22.8 billion in indirect costs, affecting millions of Americans.
Researchers found HMO patients with capitation payment received 17% more health counseling and preventive services, but spent an average of 2 minutes less time with doctors. This study dispels fears about capitation payment's impact on quality care.
A new study finds that lifestyle factors, including obesity and stress, significantly predict healthcare costs among young employed adults. Participants with high-risk scores for overall wellness, stress, or obesity used more healthcare services and incurred higher costs.
A study of 1,185 seriously ill patients found that 60% expressed a preference for comfort care but 35% believed they received aggressive treatment. Patients who received inconsistent care had significantly higher medical costs and lower survival rates.
A new study has found that fluticasone steroid nasal spray is more effective in reducing symptoms and inflammation of seasonal allergies compared to a combination of antihistamines. The treatment had minimal side effects, with the researchers preferring it due to its effect on inflammation.
African-American patients with non-small-cell lung cancer have a significantly lower one-year survival rate compared to non-African-American patients. Despite similar disease stages and health care disparities, researchers found no difference in outcomes after adjusting for factors such as performance status and socioeconomic status.
Recent studies have shown that low-dose computed tomography can detect lung cancers at an earlier stage than traditional chest radiography. Additionally, research has found a higher incidence of acute lung injury in Australian intensive care units, with lower mortality rates compared to international studies. Furthermore, experts argue...
Researchers found that dedicated stroke teams can improve treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) without increasing hospital costs. The use of tPA increased by 2.1 times in the year with a specialized team compared to the year without one.
The Choice Plus plan, a direct contracting health plan, contains costs and maintains quality of care. The study found that hospital care costs dropped, while ambulatory care rose slightly.
As Alzheimer's symptoms progress, so do the costs of caregiver and patient care, with average six-month costs exceeding $29,000 per patient. Researchers urge earlier treatment to prevent increased costs and burden on caregivers.
The hospitalist model of inpatient care has achieved many attributes of other medical specialties and is expected to become the dominant model. Studies have shown significant decreases in hospital costs and lengths of stay, with no negative impact on quality measures.
A study found that physician interventions can significantly decrease alcohol use and related health issues in at-risk patients. The intervention program, Project TrEAT, resulted in a 15-20% reduction in patient health care utilization and overall costs.
A recent study revealed that screening high-risk patients for diabetes may not be cost-effective, with a low yield and high cost. Additionally, a quality intervention to improve depression care was ineffective in real-world settings, highlighting the need for system changes to close care gaps.
A study published in JAMA found that the misdiagnosis rate for appendicitis remained high despite the availability of new diagnostic tests, particularly among young women and older men. The researchers analyzed data from 85,790 appendectomies performed in Washington state between 1987 and 1998 and found that the rate of misdiagnosis in...
Healthcare costs increased 7.2% in 2000, with hospital spending accounting for nearly half of the overall increase. Prescription drug spending slowed to 14.5%, while physician services saw a 4.8% increase.
The study found that the cost of trichiasis surgery is a significant barrier for patients in The Gambia. Offering surgery at local health centers instead of regional clinics can significantly increase patient willingness to undergo treatment.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology finds that family caregiving for elderly patients with cancer translates to an average yearly cost of $1,200 per patient and about $1 billion nationally. Informal care is often overlooked when estimating total costs of cancer treatment.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that adopting more ambitious UK smoking cessation targets could avoid over 14,500 fewer heart attack admissions by 2010 compared to current targets. Achieving these targets is expected to save the NHS £1.14 billion.
Despite an increasingly difficult patient population, Emory's success rate in angioplasty has progressively increased, while complications have decreased. The institution's 20-year experience shows reduced hospital stay lengths and lower costs.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that balloon mitral valvotomy yields similar long-term results to commissurotomy, a traditional surgical method. The procedure uses an inflated balloon to break scar tissue and improve valve function.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that regular gardening, walking, and swimming can lead to a 5-10% reduction in average monthly Medicare expenditures. Making homes safer through simple changes also resulted in significant cost savings.
A new study found that silver-coated catheters could reduce urinary tract infections by 47% and bacteremia by 44%. The cost savings could be substantial, with estimated average savings of $4 per patient catheterized.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all cases, with rising costs placing a strain on healthcare resources. Insulin usage and complications are key drivers of increased costs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that cochlear implants improve quality of life and save $50,000+ over a child's lifetime. The study provides evidence that pediatric cochlear implantation is highly cost-effective from a societal perspective.
A study found that six months of care for patients in phase II clinical trials costs $57,542, similar to $63,721 for those receiving standard treatment. This research suggests insurers can improve healthcare without financial risk.
The overuse of antibiotics reflects both clinical need and non-clinical factors, including drug companies' advertising campaigns, 'drug hunger,' and a medical system prioritizing productivity. This misuse leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant microbes, posing a significant global threat.
Research shows that Ugandan companies can save money by providing HIV drugs to their employees, with annual cost savings of $74 per skilled employee and $42 per unskilled worker. The study found that providing prophylactic treatment for HIV-infected workers is a cost-effective option.
A study published at ASCO suggests that treating cancer patients on clinical trials is not more expensive than standard treatment. The research found average charges of $57,542 for trial patients and $63,721 for control patients, highlighting the potential for increased access to high-quality care.
A study by Thomas Jefferson University found that Pennsylvania's Early Discharge legislation resulted in longer hospital stays for new mothers and babies, increasing maternal and infant healthcare costs. The average maternity stay rose from 34 to 48 hours, with estimated annual costs of $20-25 million.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that almost 60% of patients with low-risk heart attacks do not experience complications beyond three days. While shorter stays may save resources, the study suggests that the additional day is often unnecessary and costs hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Researchers at the University of Florida analyzed two-year follow-up data from a multicenter pilot trial, finding that bypass surgery and angioplasty initially cost more than medication but offered better clinical outcomes. Long-term medical expenses were roughly equal for both treatment strategies.
A UCSF study reveals that anti-smoking programs can immediately generate significant health care savings by reducing low birth weight babies and heart disease cases. The research estimates that a one percent drop in smoking rates could save up to $572 million in direct medical costs.
Researchers found that patients who undergo aggressive treatment, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, may have lower long-term medical expenses compared to those who only take medication. After two years, costs for medical strategies increased twice that observed for revascularization.
Recent studies analyzed the cost-effectiveness of various heart failure treatments, including ACE inhibitors, vasodilators, and interdisciplinary teams. The findings suggest that judicious use of these therapies can lead to significant cost savings while maintaining effective treatment outcomes.
A recent study by Reg A. Williams highlights the significant economic impact of depression in the workplace, citing an estimated total cost of up to $44 billion. The study also identifies key risk factors for depression, including stress, negative changes in personal life, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
A new study finds that depressed workers can be a significant drain on employers' resources, with worker absenteeism resulting in $17 billion a year in costs. Implementing mental health benefits and encouraging treatment could lead to a substantial increase in productivity and cost savings.
A Dartmouth-VA study found that for-profit hospital ownership is associated with higher per capita Medicare spending and faster spending growth compared to non-profit hospitals. The analysis controlled for various factors that might influence health care costs.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that comprehensive discharge planning and home follow-up by advanced practice nurses can significantly reduce hospital readmission rates and Medicare costs. The study involved 363 elderly patients at high risk for poor outcomes after hospital discharge, who rece...
The study found that the costs of treating patients in clinical trials were modestly higher than for those who opted for standard treatment, with an average total cost of $46,424. The authors recommend payment for patients' treatment in National Cancer Institute-approved clinical trials to improve access and patient outcomes.
A University of Iowa researcher found that fast-tracking can decrease staffing costs for hospitals with hourly-paid staff, but not those with set salaries. The approach allows patients to wake up quickly, reducing recovery room time and increasing productivity for hospital staff.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that boys circumcised in a doctor's office fare equally well as those circumcised in a hospital operating room. The cost savings of having the procedure done in an office setting were estimated at $1,609 per procedure, resulting in an annual savings of $184,713.
A CDC pilot study developed an integer programming model to optimize vaccine selection and procurement, potentially saving millions of dollars in health care costs. The study examined the economic value of combining vaccines and identified opportunities for reducing medical staff time and storage costs.
A pilot study found that patient costs for care using perfusion imaging were almost half that of conventional treatment, with a threefold reduction in total hospital stay. This strategy can give emergency room physicians greater confidence in their decision-making, while also identifying patients who need further treatment.
Researchers have successfully tested an implantable device called Atrioverter to treat atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to stroke. The device restored normal rhythm in 96% of treated individuals, offering a new treatment option for those prone to irregular heartbeats.
A Northwestern University study found that individuals with low cardiovascular disease risk factors during young adulthood and middle age had significantly lower annual Medicare charges, with men experiencing a 30% reduction ($1,600 less) and women experiencing a 50% reduction ($1,800 less). The results suggest that preventing major ca...
A new study published in The Journal of Trauma shows that California's motorcycle helmet law has saved the state $35 million, primarily through reduced head injuries and medical costs. The study found a 48% decrease in motorcyclists hospitalized for head injuries between 1991 and 1993.
A new UC San Francisco study found that hospitalists may reduce hospital stays and costs without compromising quality or teaching. Patients managed by hospitalists stayed an average of 4.3 days at $7,007 compared to 4.9 days at $7,777 under traditional care.
A slowdown in health spending growth is expected to have a significant impact on health workers and local economies. The shift in job composition within the health sector, towards lower-paying sub-sectors and jobs such as home health services, will exacerbate the issue.
Researchers found that treating acute ischemic stroke patients with t-PA can result in a substantial net cost savings due to shorter hospital stays and decreased long-term disabilities. This treatment also improves patient outcomes and quality of life.
Smoking-related Medicaid costs amount to $12.9 billion per year, totaling $322 billion over 25 years without inflation. The analysis provides a solid foundation for financial claims against the tobacco industry.
Acute stroke teams are becoming increasingly common, with over half costing $5,000 per year or less. The teams, led by neurologists or neurosurgeons, have been shown to improve the use of hyperacute therapies and treat strokes more effectively.
Researchers predict a significant rise in stroke cases in the US, with 1 million Americans expected to experience their first-ever stroke each year by 2050. This surge is largely attributed to an aging population, which will drive an increase of 167% among men and 140% among women.
Studies of over 25,000 Emory angioplasty and coronary bypass patients reveal significant improvements in patient outcomes, including shorter hospital stays and decreased mortality rates. Hospital costs also decreased by 30% between 1988 and 1996, with a notable reduction in the last two years.
Researchers found that using rapid diagnostic methods for M. tuberculosis can decrease diagnosis time from 38.5 to 23 days, time to therapy from 6.6 to 2.0 days, and mortality by 22-33%. This also reduces healthcare costs per patient.