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.
Researchers found that counties with higher uninsured rates and reduced access to mental health services have higher opioid prescriptions. Conversely, better healthcare quality was associated with a greater drop in opioid prescriptions over time.
A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society estimates that chemicals in plastics contribute to various diseases and disabilities in the US, resulting in significant healthcare costs. The study found that $67 billion is attributed to phthalate exposure, while PFAS exposure leads to $22 billion in health costs.
A new study found that paying doctors to visit rural areas is a cost-effective way to provide reasonable access and effective care. The study estimates the financial costs of mitigating cardiologist shortages by studying outreach patterns over 30 years in Iowa.
Scooter-related injuries in the US nearly tripled from 2016 to 2020, resulting in more severe injuries and higher healthcare costs. The study found that scooter riders were more likely to experience long bone fractures and paralysis than bicycle riders.
UC Davis Health has developed a holistic outreach and local recruitment plan that has proven effective in increasing workforce diversity. The institution's Anchor Institution Mission (AIM) initiative targets outreach to local Sacramento neighborhoods of concern to reduce disparities in the long term.
A recent study reveals that two-thirds of babies born with sickle cell disease are born in areas scoring high or very high on the scale of social vulnerability. This highlights the need for targeted efforts to support families affected by this genetic blood disease.
Researchers estimated average national medical resource use for COVID-19 patients at $11,275 per stay. Hospital costs rose due to increased ECMO use despite evolving care practices and vaccination rates.
The average cost of treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients rose from $10,094 to $13,072 between March 2020 and March 2022, with significant increases for patients with obesity or coagulation deficiencies. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and mechanical ventilation also drove up costs.
Making antivenom more widely available across hospitals and community health centers in the Brazilian Amazon region would significantly reduce death and disability from venomous snakebites. The study found that expanding access to both hospitals and community health centers would produce the largest benefits, averting up to 3,922 death...
A study published in Blood Advances found liso-cel to be a cost-effective treatment for r/r DLBCL, with a lower societal ICER of $68,212 per QALY. The treatment offered improved quality-adjusted life years and reduced lost productivity costs.
Researchers found that nurse practitioner placement in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, resulted in reduced emergency visits and optimized care for residents with higher care needs. The study suggests a paradigm shift in elder care, highlighting the pivotal role of NPs in delivering quality healthcare.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that increasing walking by over 70% reduces medical costs for lifestyle-related diseases, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public transit use also decreases medical costs, with a higher effect in metropolitan prefectures.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that maintaining aerobic fitness is linked to a 7-14% lower risk of hospitalizations for any reason. Increased fitness also reduces hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest potential benefits for individual health and healthcare costs.
The study found that people who are only slightly overweight, with a BMI of 25-30, and those with mild obesity, have the highest costs for healthcare services. This is because these individuals represent a larger proportion of the population than obese individuals, who have a higher risk of disease but lower costs.
A new poll found that 83% of older adults believe health insurers should cover medications to help people with obesity manage their weight. Nearly as many, 76%, also believe Medicare should cover these drugs, which are currently not covered under law.
This study reveals racial and ethnic differences in hospice use, with Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black individuals having lower odds of receiving hospice care. Hispanic individuals had the highest odds of a short hospice stay, highlighting potential barriers to access and acceptance among low-income populations.
A new study by researchers at University College London found that reducing oxygen levels for critically ill children on mechanical ventilators can lead to better outcomes, including reduced days spent on machines supporting organs. This approach has the potential to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs globally.
Chronic wounds in Singapore result in a significant economic burden of SGD$350 million each year. The study found that hospital admissions and decline in quality of life contribute to these costs.
A study of 1.1 million patients found lower healthcare costs when treated by female surgeons compared to male surgeons. This analysis highlights the importance of creating inclusive policies and environments supportive of women in surgery to improve workforce diversity.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that individuals with higher wealth levels had greater hospital care and medication costs before diagnosis. However, after diagnosis, wealth was associated with lower healthcare costs due to differences in comorbidities among different wealth groups.
Despite its cost-effective prevention for recurrent events, cardiac rehabilitation remains inaccessible to many due to lack of social support, particularly in poorer countries. Home-based rehabilitation and comprehensive lifelong healthy behavioral programs may help address these barriers.
New research found a 16% increase in economic burden of US firearm injuries and deaths in 2020 compared to 2019. Non-fatal costs are largely attributed to hospitalization, while fatal costs are mainly due to value of lives lost.
A simulation study suggests that a soft drink tax in Germany would reduce sugar consumption and illness rates, including type 2 diabetes, resulting in significant financial savings. The estimated economic benefits of introducing such a tax range from 9.5 billion to 16 billion euros over the next two decades.
A tiered tax system incentivizes companies to reduce sugar content, leading to a significant reduction in sugar intake and medical costs. The study predicts that such a tax could prevent over 244,000 cases of type 2 diabetes and save €16.0 billion.
The study found that median premiums decreased across the board, especially for rural communities. Rural counties gained an average of three plans overall after the switch, while urban counties lost almost nine plans.
A Swedish study tracked millions of adults for thirteen years, revealing new trends on how income affects healthcare use. People with the lowest incomes utilized primary and outpatient care similarly to those with the highest incomes, yet had significantly higher mortality rates.
The PhRMA Foundation awarded two $500,000 Frontier Awards to researchers William Padula and Surachat Ngorsuraches for their patient-centered value assessment models. Their studies will advance the field of value assessment by applying theoretical models in a real-world context and engaging with patients to ensure their voices are inclu...
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen finds that reducing nitrate levels in Danish drinking water could avoid 127 cases of colorectal cancer annually and save $300 million a year. Implementing stricter nitrate limits, such as lowering the maximum standard to 4 mg/L, can result in an additional $138 million saved.
Health care spending for Black adults was equal to or less than that of White adults, but only in areas with racial and economic equity and equitable insurance access. The study highlights the need to recognize place as a contributor to race-based differences in health care spending.
A University of Michigan team found that vaccinating people over 65 against COVID-19 will save the US money, while younger adults may not see significant cost savings. The analysis, commissioned by the CDC, focused on costs to insurers and the government.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that postpartum individuals living in states with generous mandated paid family and medical leave are more likely to breastfeed and less likely to experience postpartum depression symptoms. Lower-income populations covered by Medicaid saw the greatest benefits, with a 32% greater likelihood of breast...
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University and University of Oxford highlights the lack of clinical research on severe sight impairment (SSI) among working-age individuals in the UK. The study finds that inherited retinal disorders, such as IRDs, are under-researched despite being a leading cause of SSI certifications in this population.
A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that adult vaccination rates increase when out-of-pocket costs decrease. The study analyzed data from the shingles vaccine and found a significant increase in vaccination rates after the Affordable Care Act required private insurers to cover vaccinations.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health finds that adults with Down syndrome are more consistently enrolled in Medicaid and utilize more healthcare services than people without developmental disabilities. However, racial disparities exist, with White individuals having greater access to care.
A world-first clinical trial published in JAMA found that using small-volume tubes reduced the need for almost one blood transfusion for every 10 patients. The study saved about 1,500 units of blood and may provide an easy way to save tens of thousands of units worldwide.
A new study found that Medicare Advantage generally had lower resource use and cost compared to traditional Medicare for many conditions, but not all. For example, MA used fewer resources for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, where proper care management can prevent hospitalizations.
A new study led by UCL researchers finds that integrated health care for chronic high-burden conditions like diabetes and hypertension is feasible and cost-effective. The study showed that integrated care was associated with high levels of retention in care, no adverse effect on viral suppression among people with HIV, and cost-saving ...
A scoping review found that surgical scorecards can lower surgical procedure expenses by providing surgeons with direct feedback on their costs. The study analyzed data from 21 studies and identified key elements such as surgical supplies and operative time, revealing no significant impact on patient outcomes.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that postpartum individuals in low-income neighborhoods are more likely to accumulate medical debt due to high out-of-pocket costs. Researchers suggest policies to reduce maternal-infant healthcare spending can ease financial hardship and improve birth equity.
A study reviewing current research on ADHD in older adults highlights the need for better approaches to screening and diagnosis. The authors conclude that existing guidelines focus on children and young adults, leading to a lack of consideration for the condition in people aged 50-55.
A new health care utility model called Civica Rx increases supply security and reduces costs for health systems, with increased access to critical medications. The model prioritizes access over profit and offers transparent pricing for all customers.
A study found that ultrasound scans performed by emergency physicians can nearly halve the time patients spend in emergency departments. This technology, known as point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), enables faster diagnoses and treatment for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
A study of 44,000 low-income adults found that providing public health insurance to immigrants has a lower direct cost than for US-born individuals. Upon coverage, immigrants' healthcare utilization remains relatively modest, contradicting the assumption that offering insurance would significantly impact healthcare expenses.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that injectable extended-release buprenorphine is limited by cost and treatment retention, while oral buprenorphine may be a more cost-effective option. The opioid overdose crisis requires a broad range of effective treatments, including injectable formulations.
Researchers have developed a new method to calculate the health and climate impacts of reducing buildings' energy consumption. The tool estimates co-benefits under different energy use scenarios, providing insights into the economic value of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and premature deaths caused by air pollution.
A new article collection from Medical Care provides in-depth information on the costs of implementing evidence-based programs into routine clinical practice. The study, which received Implementation Award funding from PCORI, reports cost findings for various projects and healthcare sites.
Researchers found that different safety-net hospital definitions captured varying hospitals and characteristics, complicating funding allocations. A universal definition or index is recommended to identify hospitals for funding, incorporating community and service characteristics beyond financial expenditures.
A new AI tool assesses motor performance using finger taps, providing rapid and standardized ratings, comparable to expert neurologists. The test outperformed primary care physicians in accuracy, opening doors to evaluating other movement disorders.
A study by Brigham researchers reveals a 37% increase in out-of-state residents seeking abortion care in Massachusetts after Dobbs, with an estimated 45 additional abortions. Non-profit funding for out-of-state residents increased by nearly ten percent, while in-state residents' use of funding remained relatively stable.
A free online tool can help prostate cancer patients save thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket drug costs by comparing Medicare Part D prescription plans. The Medicare Part D Plan Finder identifies significant savings for patients taking abiraterone or enzalutamide, two common prescription drugs for advanced prostate cancer.
A new blood-based test called p-tau217 has shown great promise in identifying Alzheimer's disease by stratifying patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups. The two-step workflow reduces the need for confirmatory testing in uncertain cases.
A study found that engaging in administrative payment tasks was associated with an 18% increase in cost-related treatment delays or nonadherence among cancer patients and survivors. The burden of learning about healthcare costs and fixing billing errors often falls to the patient, exacerbating existing health disparities.
The estimated cost of cardiovascular disease in the EU in 2021 was €282 billion, accounting for 2% of Europe's GDP. The majority of this cost was attributed to health and social care systems, with hospital care being the main contributor.
The Michigan Medicaid expansion has been effective in reducing uninsurance, promoting primary care, and supporting financial well-being for low-income individuals. However, some aspects of the program, such as income-based cost-sharing, were only partially effective in achieving their aims.
A new study published in the Journal of Vascular Access found that subcutaneous anchors are more effective than adhesive securement devices in preventing catheter dislodgement. The study showed a significant reduction in unplanned catheter replacements and complications, with SecurAcath demonstrating a 99% success rate.
A study by researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that high costs for hepatic encephalopathy treatment are associated with decreased treatment retention among patients. Patients who are younger and have metastatic cancer or depression are more likely to skip their medication.
A new study by USC and Columbia University reveals that lower-middle class Americans nearing retirement age face poorer health, worse economic outcomes, and lower homeownership rates. The 'forgotten middle' group lacks adequate resources to cover healthcare and housing costs.
A Cochrane review of 17 randomised controlled trials found that blue-light filtering spectacles may not reduce visual fatigue associated with computer use and do not improve sleep quality. The evidence is also unclear on their effects on retinal health.
A study found that out-of-pocket costs for medication are a significant barrier to treatment, with those facing the highest daily costs having a higher risk of discontinuing their treatment. Researchers call for buprenorphine to be added to the list of clinically approved preventive services to alleviate the opioid crisis
A new study found that nearly half of low-value care received by Medicare beneficiaries occurs outside of their health systems. Factors such as advanced age, gender, and geographic location are associated with higher risk of receiving out-of-system low-value care.