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 study found that problems with accessing high-quality care were a major driver for switching Medicare Advantage plans, not cost concerns. Dissatisfaction with medical care access was more common among those in poor health, and those who enrolled in MA plans with low star ratings were also more likely to switch.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System discovered that an immune molecule called STING drives the formation of harmful plaques and protein tangles associated with Alzheimer's. Blocking STING protected lab mice from mental decline, suggesting a promising treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases.
Cessation of public water fluoridation would lead to higher rates of tooth decay and increased healthcare costs in the US. The model suggests that current safe levels of fluoride have substantial ongoing benefits.
A new study reveals that the Bolsa Família Programme has prevented more than 8.2 million hospitalisations and 713,083 deaths in Brazil between 2004 and 2019. The programme provides cash transfers to low-income families with conditions such as school attendance and vaccinations.
Researchers analyzed trends in healthcare utilization among Japan's oldest-old population aged 75 years and above during the extended COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis revealed a modest drop in medical services and outpatient visits, while healthcare costs remained stable despite decreased patient volumes.
Infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children requiring primary care led to significant societal economic costs. The study found that the main sources of costs were repeated visits to primary care physicians and parents missing work to care for their sick children, with higher costs for infants under 1 year old.
Researchers found that halving vital sign and neurological function checks in low-risk patients after acute ischemic stroke treatment does not compromise care or recovery. The approach also frees up nursing time and intensive care resources, improving hospital capacity.
A new study by researchers from Cambridge Judge Business School found that CivicaScript's HCU model can reliably supply essential generic medicines at a price that saves patients over 64% and public and private insurers over 92%. The model aims to make generic drugs accessible and affordable for all.
A study found that veterans enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use dental and vision services at a similar rate as those in traditional Medicare. MA plans spent only slightly more on these services, including emergency dental care. After accounting for private insurance coverage, the total spending on dental services was compara...
Researchers have developed a low-cost, nanotechnology-based praziquantel formulation that increases efficacy and reduces dosage for treating worms. The new formulation, requiring only half the usual dose, demonstrates greater efficacy in eliminating schistosomes than the active ingredient alone.
Retail pharmacies excluded from Medicare Part D networks faced a higher risk of closure over the past decade, with independent and minority-owned pharmacies more likely to be affected. The study found that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) were contributing to this problem by steering beneficiaries away from non-preferred pharmacies.
A new analysis predicts that reducing Medicaid access could lead to thousands of additional deaths among working-age Americans and disastrous financial burdens. The study found that eliminating the ACA provision expanding Medicaid access could drive millions to delay needed care.
The American College of Chest Physicians has released a new clinical guideline on the transfusion of fresh frozen plasma and platelets in critically ill adults. The guideline contains seven evidence-based recommendations to reduce unnecessary transfusions, which are rarely needed prior to bedside procedures.
A new study highlights the success of a financial toxicity tumor board in reducing cancer treatment costs. The board has assisted over 9,321 patients with copay assistance and provided free medication to 16,495 patients, resulting in total savings of $393 million.
A long-term study published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that employing too few permanent nurses on hospital wards is linked to longer inpatient stays, readmissions, patient deaths, and ultimately costs more. Redressing the balance saves around £5000 for each year of healthy life gained, but not if temporary agency staff are used.
A hospital-based outbreak detection system has been shown to prevent infections, save lives and cut costs. The Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-Associated Transmission (EDS-HAT) uses genomic sequencing to analyze infectious disease samples from patients, identifying near-identical strains that flag potential outbreaks.
The study estimates that expanded Medicare coverage for GLP-1RAs would increase access to these treatments and reduce obesity-related comorbidities. However, this would come with substantial costs over a decade, projected at $8 billion, highlighting the need for further price reductions and cost-saving strategies.
Research reveals subpar healthcare services in Global South cities, with frequent medicine shortages and inadequate long-term condition management. Innovative policy approaches are needed to balance public service expansion and private subsidies to improve access and equity for marginalized populations.
Families of children with disabilities experience higher adjusted odds for financial hardships due to inadequate health insurance policies. The study highlights the need for structured policies ensuring covered medical care without financial burden on families.
The US Cost of Dementia Project estimates total economic burden at $781 billion, accounting for lost earnings, diminished quality of life, and unpaid care. The project aims to inform evidence-based policies reducing dementia's financial impact.
A new method for DNA detection uses heterogeneous probe particles and laser light to accelerate genetic analysis. This PCR-free technique offers greater sensitivity and speed than traditional methods, making it more accessible for medical, environmental, and personal health applications.
A survey study found that more than 1 in 7 adults carried medical debt in 2023, with 1 in 3 forgoing mental health care the following year. Medical debt may exacerbate treatment gaps by raising thresholds for seeking care and eroding patient trust.
A study by Stanford University's PPML finds nearly 40 million people use free preventive health services under the Affordable Care Act. The Supreme Court will decide whether to uphold a ruling that makes these services no longer mandatory.
A new machine learning model accurately predicts the fitness of AAV capsids based on their amino acid sequence, enabling more efficient and cost-effective gene therapies. The model's robustness and generalizability have been demonstrated through tests on independent datasets, offering a promising tool for capsid engineering.
A new global study found common genetic factors contributing to drug resistance in focal epilepsy, affecting 20 million individuals. Researchers identified specific genetic variants in CNIH3 and WDR26 genes associated with a higher risk of drug-resistant epilepsy.
A major Danish nationwide cohort study found that adults with respiratory syncytial virus-associated acute respiratory infection (RSV-ARI) experience significantly worse health outcomes, including a 2.7-fold higher risk of death within one year compared to the general population. RSV-ARI also leads to exacerbations of COPD and asthma, ...
A University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care, finding that patients face 'catastrophic' expenses despite free treatment being available in many countries. The review identifies areas for intervention to reduce patient costs and improve sustainable TB mitigation strategies.
A new study reveals that the US national vaccine strategy saved more money than it spent on testing, buying and delivering COVID-19 vaccines after just one year. The analysis found that the vaccines reduced serious illness and deaths, resulting in significant cost savings.
A simulation model predicts that medically tailored meals designed for patients with diet-sensitive conditions can improve health outcomes and save healthcare costs nationwide. The program is estimated to avert over 3.5 million hospitalizations annually and could transform care for vulnerable patients across the US.
An analysis of differential coding patterns between Medicare Advantage (MA) and Traditional Medicare (TM) plans estimated that MA plans received an estimated $33 billion in additional revenue due to coding differences. The study found that UnitedHealth Group received the most additional revenue, with a $1,863 increase per member.
The Endocrine Society strongly disagrees with the administration's decision not to finalize a rule allowing Medicare and Medicaid to cover anti-obesity medications. This decision leaves millions of Americans with obesity without access to evidence-based treatment, exacerbating the country's growing obesity epidemic.
A study found that 76% of people aged 50+ have patient portal accounts, with 65% sending at least one message in the past year. However, 13% report paying co-pays or charges for these interactions, especially those with Medicaid or low incomes.
A new study suggests AI-driven smart devices can revolutionize healthcare by detecting cardiac issues early, triggering emergency responses. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) technology enables real-time patient monitoring and analysis, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Researchers calculated two indicators from body composition data to examine the relationship between muscle quality and long-term care need. People with low phase angles and extracellular to intracellular water resistance ratios were found to be at high risk of becoming dependent, especially when values fell below median thresholds.
The inability to pay for healthcare in the U.S. has reached a record high, with 91 million people reporting difficulties accessing quality care. Black and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately affected, with rates of unaffordability exceeding 46% and 52%, respectively.
Despite free treatment in many countries, TB patients incur catastrophic costs due to hospitalization and lost income. A systematic review found that these costs can be prohibitively high for individuals in low-, middle-, and high-income settings.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has won a court ruling that vacates the FDA's rule on laboratory-developed test procedure regulation. This decision will avoid adding billions of dollars in healthcare costs and protect access to high-quality care for hundreds of millions of Americans.
A new white paper finds that expanding access to anti-obesity medications can prevent or delay chronic disease by years, providing significant societal benefits. The study estimates a $10 trillion return on investment and 13% annual returns on investment for society.
Most older U.S. adults support Medicare covering weight management medications, particularly those with a BMI of 30 or greater. The survey also found that more than half of participants were interested in using these medications to manage their weight.
Researchers at Lancaster University discovered a new type of vaccine-specific scepticism, where some people perceive COVID-19 vaccines as 'not a vaccine' compared to MMR. This phenomenon may also apply to the flu vaccine, highlighting the need for clear public health messaging.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London reveals substantial financial burdens on patients and concerns over the reliability of information in the fertility sector. The research highlights a need for regulatory action to ensure clinics provide accurate cost information and treatment options.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that avoidable mortality increased across all US states from 2009 to 2021, while declining in many peer nations. The team's findings suggest deep-seated issues in the American healthcare system and public policy may be contributing to worsening health outcomes.
A recent study suggests that long COVID-19 cases can result in significant annual costs of $5,084 to $11,646, primarily due to productivity losses and direct medical expenses. The estimated total cost for current long COVID cases in the US is between $2.01 billion and $6.56 billion annually.
Experts propose evidence-based work design to mitigate administrative harms and improve patient safety, quality of care, and workforce well-being. The new framework aims to integrate short-term financial metrics with long-term outcomes, sparking a transformation in organizational decision-making.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health refutes claims that Medicaid expansion increases misuse of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines. Despite initial concerns, the study found no association between Medicaid expansion and non-prescribed opioid use among people who inject drugs.
A new survey from West Health and Gallup found that over 31 million Americans borrowed $74 billion last year to pay for healthcare, with nearly one-third expressing 'very concern' about medical debt. The survey also revealed significant disparities in borrowing rates among different demographics, including age, race, and income level.
A recent USC study found that Black immigrants in the United States have a 9% higher likelihood of being uninsured compared to U.S.-born white adults, despite having a 70.2% employment rate. The disparity is attributed to wage penalties and systemic barriers related to race and immigration status.
A new study found that Black, Hispanic, and Asian people with private insurance pay significantly more out-of-pocket for maternity care than white people. The study analyzed data from over 87,000 pregnancies and deliveries, revealing disparities in coinsurance rates and resulting costs.
Differences in coinsurance rates associated with racial and ethnic disparities in out-of-pocket spending for maternity care. Changes to health plan benefit design could improve equity in maternal healthcare access and outcomes.
A new study found that an Oakland law requiring cigarette prices to increase to a minimum of $8 per pack led to a 15-percent decrease in cigarette sales and a 25-percent decrease in lower-priced cigarettes. The policy may be particularly effective at curbing tobacco initiation among low-income individuals and youth.
A cohort study found that telemedicine adoption was associated with modestly lower use of 7 out of 20 examined low-value tests, while having no effect on other tests. The results suggest potential benefits of telemedicine and mitigate concerns about increased spending.
A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.
New research from USC reveals that Medicare Part D plans are increasingly tying patient costs to list prices, leading to substantially higher out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. The study found that the share of stand-alone plans using coinsurance for preferred branded drugs grew from 9.9% in 2020 to 71.9% in 2024.
A new laparoscopic imaging technique uses stereo depth estimation and speckle-illumination SFDI to accurately map the optical properties of biological tissue. The device provides detailed optical property maps, enabling surgeons to identify critical tumor margins and improve clinical outcomes.
A new study tracks US health care spending by health condition and county, revealing broad variation in spending patterns. The research highlights the need to identify outliers and assess healthcare gaps, particularly in regions with high inequalities in healthcare access.
A cross-sectional study found that variation in health care spending among US counties is primarily attributed to disparities in service utilization. The study's results may inform policymakers in assessing the allocation of health care resources.
A large study found that telemedicine and training apps had minimal positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that direct care from medical professionals remains crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans face long drives and high costs for surgical care within an hour's drive. Rural adults are particularly affected, with 44% driving over an hour for operations.
FAIR Health introduces a new shared decision-making tool for Alzheimer's disease, providing clinical information on self-care options and drug therapies. The tool also offers related cost information to support age-friendly care, available at no cost to users.
A Michigan Medicine-led study suggests that living in disadvantaged communities may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by up to 37%. The study found that patients from more resourced areas tended to live longer, possibly due to better access to care and reduced caregiver burnout. T...