Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
Researchers found that out-of-pocket costs for additional tests, including MRI and biopsies, are common and increasing among privately insured men with high PSA results. The median cost rose substantially between 2010-2020, deterring patients from undergoing recommended screening.
Households are willing to pay $156.84 annually for targeted home systems to remove PFAS, which is less than the cost of municipal-level treatment. Under-the-sink reverse osmosis filters are estimated to have a yearly total cost of around $100, including maintenance.
A recent poll of older adults reveals that those in their 50s and early 60s who face financial stress are more likely to experience negative health effects. The study found that 47% of people aged 50-64 reported being impacted by inflation, with many cutting back on everyday expenses.
The study confirms the effectiveness of 12 standards in reducing hospital length of stay, costs, and complication rates. Standardized care protocols across multiple phases of surgical care lead to improved patient outcomes and hospital efficiency.
A recent study found that most survey respondents preferred receiving hospital-level care at home due to its convenience, comfort, and effectiveness. The study also revealed that patients felt safe being treated at home and were willing to manage their medications and provide in-depth care.
Researchers suggest programs delivering medically tailored meals to people with diet-sensitive conditions could lead to substantial savings in healthcare costs. The study found significant variation between US states but overall net cost savings in almost every state, with the largest projected savings in Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Between 2013 and 2023, private equity firms acquired 41 outpatient cardiology practices, corresponding to 342 clinic sites. The study highlights the critical need to monitor the effects of private equity acquisitions on quality of care and outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease.
A new study finds that single-payer financing based on the current federal income tax schedule can increase progressivity of household payments. Rate setting led to slight increases in payments for higher-income households, while spending growth targets reduced payments slightly across all income groups.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.
A recent study found that nearly half of those who lost Medicaid coverage during the Medicaid unwinding process were left uninsured by late 2023. The researchers also discovered that individuals who had been disenrolled reported significantly worse access to healthcare, including more cost-related delays in care and less affordability.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...
A clinical trial evaluated the economic impact of adding a dedicated team to existing emergency department care for older patients. The study found that this approach can significantly improve patient quality of life and save up to €2.4 billion nationally.
The WVU researchers developed a non-invasive, at-home sleep apnea detection device that uses artificial intelligence technology to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Early detection can help prevent worsening of underlying comorbid conditions and reduce healthcare costs, according to Dr. Sunil Sharma.
A new study found that Texas' 2021 ban on abortion in early pregnancy was associated with unexpected increases in infant and neonatal deaths in Texas between 2021 and 2022. Congenital anomalies also surged in Texas, but not elsewhere in the US.
Research reveals close relationship between midlife diet and healthy aging; Limiting ultra-processed foods may not improve diet quality. Baby-led weaning meets nutritional needs for healthy growth, while whole grains retain more nutrients during milling.
A new study by Duke-NUS Medical School reveals that individuals with cognitive impairment spend an additional S$700 per year on healthcare bills, mainly due to emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The researchers emphasize the need for proactive monitoring and care strategies to mitigate this growing burden.
A new study by Michigan Medicine University found that nearly all patients with buprenorphine prescriptions filled them, even when paying more out-of-pocket. The researchers suggest removing barriers to continuous prescribing as the main focus of efforts.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham developed a generative AI process that screens patients for clinical trial eligibility with high accuracy and reduced cost. The process, called RECTIFIER, was compared to traditional screening methods and found to be more accurate and cost-effective, with an estimated cost of $0.11 per patient.
A study published in JAMA found that high out-of-pocket costs are a significant barrier to filling naloxone prescriptions. The study, which utilized data from a national pharmacy transactions database, estimated that a $10 increase in cost would decrease the rate of filling prescriptions by about 2-3 percentage points.
A Pusan National University study finds that heatwaves significantly impact public health among individuals with disabilities, increasing the risk of hospitalizations by 1.07 times. This results in a substantial economic burden, highlighting the need for well-informed public health policies to address these vulnerable groups.
A lifesaving package of interventions to objectively identify and treat post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) has been found to be highly cost-effective, incurring minimal additional cost. The intervention resulted in over 1000 fewer PPH cases compared to usual care, with an estimated average additional cost of $0.30 per patient.
Home health aides struggle with mental health due to job demands, stigma and lack of support, impacting their own well-being and patients' desire to age in place. Researchers suggest interventions like peer coaching, improved salaries and benefits, and workplace safety to address these challenges.
A new study found that India's Drug Price Control Order in 2013 led to a shift in pharmaceutical firms' marketing efforts, disproportionately affecting prescriptions issued by less formally educated physicians. Sales volumes of regulated drugs declined, while those for unregulated but related drugs increased.
By 2050, at least 61% of US adults (184 million people) are projected to have some type of cardiovascular disease, with total costs tripling to $1.8 trillion. Population shifts, high blood pressure, and obesity will drive this increase.
Researchers found that bubbling olive products before oil extraction decreases oil quality. The study measured absolute phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and acidity levels in bubbled oil (BO) compared to virgin olive oil (VOO). BO had lower antioxidant properties and higher acidity levels than VOO.
Researchers create standard yardstick to measure value in accountable care organizations (ACOs), finding average improvement potential of 24%. The proposed approach can also be applied to individual hospitals and other health care providers, pinningpointing areas for improvement.
Certified medical assistants distribute patient portal messages to the most appropriate physician, resulting in a 40% decrease in messages going directly to primary care physicians. This team-based care model improves both practice and clinician efficiency.
A study by Washington State University found that treating minor illnesses at pharmacies can be effective and cost-saving, with patients recovering from almost all their ailments after a single visit. The research suggests expanding pharmacists' clinical services could improve healthcare access and reduce costs.
A study from Alberta, Canada found that clinic continuity is associated with reduced hospital visits and emergency department usage. Patients who see the same family physician or clinic group experience fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits.
A new study reveals that poor access to simple elective surgery in developing countries is storing up future health problems for patients. Inguinal hernia repair was used as a tracer condition, showing that untreated hernias can lead to delayed recovery and higher healthcare costs due to the need for more complex emergency surgery.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that exclusively breastfed infants used fewer healthcare services and incurred lower costs compared to formula-fed infants. This could have avoided £10 million in healthcare costs if all formula-fed infants were exclusively breastfed for the first 6-8 weeks of life.
Replacing diesel school buses with electric ones can yield up to $247,600 in climate and health benefits per individual bus, according to a new study. The benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower rates of adult mortality and childhood asthma.
Researchers discuss the benefits of CAR-T therapy in treating B-cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in children. The therapy, tisagenlecleucel, has shown promising results and is now priced at $508,250, a more manageable cost compared to other gene therapies.
A new Northwestern University study found that technology alone resulted in worse weight loss compared to a combination of tech and telehealth coaching for obesity treatment. The study suggests that while technology has its benefits, it cannot replace the human touch for meaningful weight loss.
A new transit station in Japan significantly reduced average healthcare expenditures per capita over four years, with savings of approximately $929.99. The study used a causal impact algorithm and time series data to analyze the medical expenditure data gathered from a suburban city on the West Japan Railway line.
The RAND Corporation report found that private health plans paid hospitals 254% of what Medicare would pay for services, with significant variations among states. This study provides valuable tools for employers to make informed purchasing decisions and aids policymakers in curbing healthcare costs.
A cohort study found that high levels of telehealth use were associated with more clinician encounters, ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs. COVID-19 cases still remained high during the study period, suggesting that HSAs with higher telehealth intensity may have better capacity for health services.
The Academic Payvider model enhances value-based care by fostering improved coordination, reduced insurance hassles, and increased staff attention. This joint approach between payers and providers aims to drive complex care down through innovative reimbursement structures.
A new poll suggests health-related costs are a major concern for older Americans of all backgrounds, with five out of six very concerning issues involving health costs. Nearly half say they're very concerned about the cost of prescription medications, while nearly half also express concerns about dental care.
Significantly reducing trans fat levels in the Nigerian food supply can prevent approximately 67,000 cases of heart disease within ten years. The policy also generates net savings, with total healthcare savings estimated at around $520 million over a population's lifetime.
Experts say the dominant literature on political polarization is inadequate for Latin America, citing a lack of evidence linking increased social inequality to polarized politics. Instead, research suggests that other factors, such as changes in political behavior and institutional instability, may be driving the crisis.
A new study shows that a massive effort to reduce the overuse of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) led to a nearly 30% reduction in prescriptions, but also resulted in some veterans missing out on protective use. The intervention, which imposed limits on PPI prescription size and refills, was carried out in one region of the Veterans Healt...
A new national poll finds that 60% of people aged 50-80 have visited urgent care clinics or retail clinics for medical care in the past two years. Many sought immediate attention, vaccinations, or tests, and 75% plan to use these sites again in the next two years.
Researchers found that cardiologists who received payments from LVAD manufacturers were more likely to use those devices during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures. The study highlights the need to reevaluate industry gifts and their potential impact on clinical decision-making.
A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.
A quasi-experimental study of 35 health care facilities found chlorhexidine bathing and nasal decolonization to be effective in reducing multidrug-resistant organism prevalence. The interventions also led to decreased infection-related hospitalizations, costs, and deaths among nursing home residents.
A recent USC Schaeffer Center study found that fewer than one-in-ten hospitals promote interest-bearing medical payment products, with those promoting them being disproportionately non-profit hospitals. The study suggests regulators take a closer look at hospital financial conditions before enacting regulations.
State policies on insulin copayment caps showed no increase in insulin use but reduced OOP costs, particularly for high-deductible health plans with HSAs. Insulin users benefited from cost savings, but higher-income users experienced larger decreases in OOP costs.
A study found that an annual vaccination campaign with a second dose for children under 2 years old and individuals aged 50 and over can significantly reduce hospitalizations, deaths, and healthcare spending. The optimal timing for the second vaccination is delivering it 5 months after initial vaccination.
Researchers have identified a combination of medications that may improve blood flow within granulomas, benefiting drug delivery and reducing bacterial burden in tuberculosis-infected rabbits. The study leverages decades of cancer research to study tuberculosis-affected lung tissue and improves treatment.
Researchers at WVU are developing an AI tool to reduce medication errors that lead to hospital readmissions, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs. The tool will analyze patient records and identify high-risk patients, alerting pharmacists to potential issues.
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that the diabetes drug metformin and solid foods increase a hunger-reducing factor called Lac-Phe, while sugary drinks have minimal effect. This discovery could lead to new anti-obesity treatments and help explain why liquid calories drive obesity.
Research from Amsterdam UMC found that social activities like interactions and organised events prevent cognitive decline in long-term care residents. Participation in these activities offers a protective effect, particularly for those with little or no cognitive impairment.
A new study shows that eliminating disparities in physical activity levels between low and higher socioeconomic groups could save over $6.93 billion in direct medical costs and $8.67 billion in productivity losses. The study suggests tailoring physical activity interventions towards lower income groups to maximize cost savings.
A Phase III clinical trial showed that cancer patients who received specialized mental health support experienced lasting improvements in quality of life, reduced pain, depression, and fatigue. The intervention also led to lower risk of cardiovascular disease in family caregivers and substantial cost savings for the healthcare system.
A new analysis found that nearly all involuntary care home closures in England since 2011 were run for-profit. This raises questions about the role of private providers in exacerbating the sector's crisis. The study suggests that systematic reasons may exist for why enforcement occurs mainly in private for-profit provision.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study finds that financial distress affects up to 33% of cancer patients in Canada, causing direct, indirect, and emotional costs. The authors suggest supporting home care, improved benefit plans, and pharmacare to alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families.
New research estimates the economic toll of youth violence in the US, revealing that homicides and nonfatal assaults among young people cost $122 billion. The study highlights the importance of developing programs to address risk factors and prevent youth violence.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that reinsurance programs increased minimum cost coverage for middle-class enrollees in Georgia, leading to lower enrollment rates. The programs, intended to reduce premiums, ultimately made coverage less affordable for those with incomes between 251% and 400% of federal poverty level.
A study of 2,943 US counties found that medical debt is associated with poorer health status, increased premature deaths, and higher mortality rates. Expanding affordable healthcare coverage may improve population health in these areas.