Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
A study of 2,097 patients found that those who felt economically burdened had a higher mortality rate (5.9%) compared to non-burdened patients (3.5%). The burdened group was also more likely to have received angioplasty and other comorbidities.
Research shows that obesity-related surgeries can be completed as outpatient procedures, reducing associated costs. Adjustable gastric banding surgeries may also be suitable for certain obese patients, offering a safe and convenient alternative.
A recent study found that requiring hospital gowns in intensive care units (ICUs) can save hospitals over $400,000 in annual costs associated with the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. The analysis, conducted over two-and-a-half years, also showed that gowns can provide a net benefit in terms of infection control.
A comprehensive review of hundreds of studies on living wills finds they fail to meet five key criteria for success. The researchers argue that living wills offer a false promise of control over end-of-life treatment and recommend using durable powers of attorneys instead.
A study by RTI International and the Mayo Clinic found that calibration errors in calcium laboratory tests can add up to $89 per patient, affecting approximately 3.55 million patients and increasing healthcare costs.
A recent study found that obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of auto collisions by 28%. Treating the condition with CPAP could prevent 980 fatalities each year, saving $11.1 billion in collision costs.
A study found that 73% of Canadian doctors can't estimate treatment costs within 25% of actual costs. They tend to underestimate expensive treatments and overestimate cheap ones, which can lead to unnecessary prescribing. The pharmaceutical industry's reluctance to provide cost information further hampers this process.
Researchers at Cornell University Institute for Health and Productivity Studies estimate that presenteeism costs companies up to 60% of total worker illness expenses. Common conditions such as allergies, headaches, and mental health problems incur significant on-the-job productivity losses.
The study analyzed medication use patterns in 133,624 hypertensive patients in Pennsylvania and found that switching to evidence-based antihypertensive regimens could reduce costs by nearly a quarter. Adherence to these guidelines is crucial for affordability of prescription drug benefit programs.
A UCLA study found that providing Head Start parents with easy-to-understand health-care guidance can lead to significant reductions in emergency room and clinic visits, resulting in cost savings for Medicaid. The study showed a 48% reduction in unnecessary ER visits and a 37.5% decrease in clinic visits for routine illnesses.
A study published in Endocrine Practice found that continuous insulin monitoring and endocrinologist involvement did not increase the cost of treating diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery. The protocol showed significantly better glycemic control, leading to shorter hospital stays and fewer deep sternal wound infections.
The new database contains approximately 100 Reference Measurement Procedures, including 30 developed and maintained by NIST. The database lists 96 approved reference materials; NIST is the source for 72 of these, facilitating worldwide comparability of clinical measurements and reducing technical barriers to trade.
A study of premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding found that hysterectomy improved health-related quality of life within six months compared to expanded medical treatment. Another study in Finland compared the LNG-IUS to hysterectomy for menorrhagia, finding similar outcomes and lower costs for the intrauterine system.
Researchers have identified the optimal dosage of a bat-derived clot-buster for acute ischemic stroke treatment, finding a dose of 125 micrograms per kilogram to improve neurological function scores. Carotid artery screenings in seniors may also help prevent strokes and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs.
A team of Duke University Medical Center researchers found that patients with back pain incur significantly higher health-care expenditures than those without back pain. The study's results highlight the substantial economic burden of back pain, which varies widely across patients and demographics.
A recent study by the University of California - San Francisco found that dependent older patients incur significantly higher hospital costs compared to independent patients. On average, dependent patients stayed in the hospital for 2 days longer than independent patients, resulting in a 23% increase in costs.
A new study suggests that increasing funding for immunizations by just $1 per month could lead to improved practices in children's clinics. However, the cost of implementing recommended upgrades, such as auditing and feedback systems, may be prohibitively expensive for some clinics.
A new study shows that inhaled nitric oxide is an effective treatment for hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF) in newborns, saving over $440,000 per 100 cases compared to the invasive ECMO procedure. This breakthrough therapy benefits patients and reduces costs without compromising treatment outcomes.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that children with behavioral disorders, such as anxiety and depression, incur significant healthcare costs comparable to those with physical disorders. The study suggests that increased hospitalization expenditures are a major contributor to these costs.
A new study published in PEDIATRICS reveals that inhaled nitric oxide is a more cost-effective treatment option for newborns with HRF, resulting in significant savings of over $440,000 per 100 cases. This breakthrough therapy avoids the need for invasive ECMO surgery and its associated costs.
Elderly Americans with heart failure consume significantly more healthcare resources than those without the condition, with average four-year costs of $27,822. Diastolic heart failure is estimated to be more prevalent in the elderly population and may require further study due to limited clinical trials.
Studies found that individuals with cardiovascular risk factors identified in middle age had significantly higher Medicare costs after age 65 and during their last year of life. Those with more risk factors spent more on treating cardiovascular disease and experienced greater healthcare expenditures overall.
Researchers found that newborn screening for medium-chain acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) is cost-effective in detecting the condition. The study, which analyzed records of 32 patients with MCADD, showed that screening can help prevent severe outcomes and reduce medical costs over a lifetime.
A new study found that administering antibiotics in a syringe pump, rather than by direct injection, can significantly reduce costs. The study also showed that the most expensive antibiotic to administer was Erythromycin, which requires slow infusion time.
A new model developed by Michael Carter of the University of Toronto has the potential to reduce healthcare costs by $42 billion a year, while providing more services at the same cost. The model uses operations research techniques to optimize hospital operations and improve communication among departments.
This tip sheet explores the impact of continuity of care on patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Research suggests that provider continuity is associated with lower total healthcare costs, but not necessarily improved quality of care for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Studies presented at ICAAC reveal significant clinical outcomes, resource utilization, and infection-associated costs of Staph aureus bacteremia among hemodialysis-dependent patients. The infections are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, underscoring the need for a vaccine to prevent these infections.
The report compares six Democratic candidates' plans to address the problem of the uninsured, revealing a range of proposals from covering most or all of the uninsured to 1 in 10. Most Democratic candidates would repeal some or all of President Bush's tax cuts to help finance their health plans.
A study found that patients initially treated with voriconazole had better outcomes and incurred fewer antifungal drug costs than those treated initially with amphotericin B. The results showed a 53% success rate for voriconazole-treated patients compared to 32% for amphotericin B.
A two-year research project on Minneapolis-based Definity Health found that it attracted higher-income families and was popular among those aged 35-44. Consumer-driven plans also showed an increase in demand for prescription drugs over time.
Researchers have found that a one-step HIV test is the least expensive option, costing nearly $82 per person compared to two-step methods. The new method provides same-day results for both HIV-positive and negative clients, reducing waste and costs associated with return clinic visits.
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 doctors hesitate to administer the Prevnar vaccine due to its high cost, especially among those with many uninsured patients. The vaccine protects against bacterial meningitis and other diseases, but its expense creates obstacles for families without insurance coverage.
Health insurance scams have been on the rise as premiums increase at double-digit rates, leaving nearly 100,000 people with unpaid medical debts and without coverage. The Commonwealth Fund report recommends strengthening criminal penalties, expanding access to affordable coverage, and improving consumer education.
A study found that physicians often fail to discuss out-of-pocket costs with patients, leading to financial burden and skipped medication. Discussing costs can make a difference, enabling physicians to seek less expensive alternatives.
The study reveals that out-of-pocket spending for Medicare PPO enrollees is nearly 50% higher than costs for Medicare+Choice enrollees, raising questions about the value of these plans. Costs have doubled since 1999, with sicker beneficiaries facing even higher cost burdens.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that higher deductibles, longer waiting periods, and carve-out benefits can lead to lower employee return-to-work rates. Additionally, employees with carve-out benefits plans tend to retire sooner rather than return to work.
A study found that HIV treatment costs increased significantly between 1995 and 2001, driven by the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Despite this, overall medical care costs remained relatively stable during the same period.
A global strategy aims to protect households from catastrophic health-care payments. By reducing out-of-pocket spending, financing through general taxes and social insurance can provide access to needed services.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that Hurricane Floyd caused substantial changes in healthcare patterns that lasted for over a year. The storm led to increased use of emergency rooms and outpatient services, particularly among Medicaid recipients, with estimated costs of $13.3 million.
According to a study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, China loses an estimated 12 million productive working years annually due to injuries. The economic burden is substantial, with motor vehicle crashes, suicide, and falls accounting for the majority of productivity lost.
Private Medicare+Choice plans experience instability, with low participation rates and high turnover among physicians and hospitals. The complex choice of benefits and cost-sharing makes it difficult for beneficiaries to make informed decisions.
A study found that people with diabetes in Saskatchewan accounted for $134.3 million in health care expenditures, with major comorbidities contributing to 36.4% of these costs. Targeted strategies to prevent diabetes could produce substantial savings and improved health outcomes.
The US healthcare system faces a high-performance goal with increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Key steps outlined include public reporting of data on providers, health plans, and demonstrations of new approaches to insurance coverage, technology, and quality standards.
A study found that physicians prioritize profits over patient benefits when considering cost savings. More than half of responding physicians believed money saved would go to insurance executives rather than patients or improved services. The study highlights the disconnect between doctor perceptions and long-term societal benefits.
A recent study by the American Heart Association has linked high fruit and vegetable intake to lower healthcare costs in older age. The study found that middle-aged men who consumed more than 42 cups of fruits and vegetables per month had significantly lower Medicare charges compared to those who consumed less.
A landmark cooperative study found that patients with upper lobe emphysema and low exercise capacity benefit more from lung volume reduction surgeries (LVRS), while those without these characteristics experience decreased survival and functional levels. LVRS improved lung function and exercise capacity, but had no long-term benefits.
A recent study evaluated the medical costs of osteoporosis therapies and found that patients taking weekly Fosamax had lower GI-related medical costs compared to those taking daily or weekly doses. The analysis, conducted with a large medical claims database, also revealed that treating patients with a weekly dose of Fosamax versus a d...
A team of researchers has developed a new method to prevent urinary catheter infections, which affects millions worldwide. By using a mild triclosan solution to inflate the balloon holding the catheter, they have successfully eliminated bacterial growth and blockages, offering a promising solution to this long-standing problem.
A study reveals that CT scans are more effective than plain film radiography in diagnosing cervical spine trauma. The research found a higher incidence of true positive findings with CT (5.85%) compared to plain film (.50%), as well as lower costs due to reduced examination time.
Uninsured cancer patients receive far less health care, with higher out-of-pocket spending compared to privately insured patients. The study highlights disparities in healthcare coverage between Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations, with uninsured Hispanic patients facing significant barriers to care.
The study finds that adding Keppra to standard therapy can lead to seizure freedom in refractory patients with a moderate increase in costs. This results in significant healthcare savings, making it a cost-effective alternative.
Researchers found that elderly patients often experience a loss of function after hospitalization, with over 50% of those 85 and older experiencing functional decline. This decline can lead to institutionalization, increased burden on caregivers, and higher healthcare costs.
Antibiotic prescriptions decreased for common cold and respiratory infections, but broad-spectrum use increased, posing a threat to public health. The misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics contributes to the creation of resistant bacteria strains.
Employers and insurers are exploring new hospital-tier insurance plans to increase enrollees' sensitivity to price variations between hospitals. This trend aims to moderate hospital prices by providing incentives for cost-conscious consumers to choose lower-cost facilities.
A study found that 26% of jurors sanctioned deception by doctors to obtain care, while 70% favored appealing denied requests. The public's lack of trust in the healthcare system has led to support for 'physician gaming' to gain access to needed care.
Healthcare networks have struggled to deliver high-quality care at lower costs due to structural problems with information systems and functional failures in creating a new culture. Despite the potential for improved efficiencies, many networks have failed to address these issues, leading to under-performance on a national level.
A study of six employers found that employees cost $3,524 a year in average healthcare costs due to physical health conditions. Heart disease was the most expensive condition at $236 per employee, followed by high blood pressure at $160 per employee.
A recent study found drotrecogin alfa (activated) to be as cost-effective as several commonly used life-saving treatments, including statins and lung transplants. The drug's acquisition cost falls below the $100,000 per QALY threshold for cost-effectiveness.
A new study by Dee W. Edington, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan found that individuals with obesity incur significantly higher medical costs than those with normal weight, with average annual costs rising from $2,225 to $3,753 for obese individuals. The economic burden of obesity is estimated to be substantial, with conservative e...
A new study suggests that living longer will not lead to significantly increased healthcare costs, especially after age 85. The research found that average monthly health-care expenditures decrease for those who survive into their mid-80s or beyond. In contrast, the last two years of life often see steeper rises in health-related costs...