Articles tagged with Health Care Costs
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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
Researchers found that translating consent documents can discourage investigators from recruiting patients with limited English proficiency, contributing to low rates of participation from underrepresented groups. By relieving investigators of these costs, studies can become more inclusive and results more accurate and generalizable.
A study by Tufts University researchers suggests that fully synchronizing school meals with updated US nutrition standards would have significant health benefits for children. The changes, including limiting added sugars and sodium, could prevent over 10,600 deaths per year and save billions in healthcare costs.
A study found that family medicine physicians have the lowest net returns per dose for HPV vaccines, while pediatricians received higher reimbursement amounts. The researchers also observed a positive association between reimbursement and increased HPV vaccine doses administered, particularly among family physicians.
The Capture the Fracture Partnership has successfully driven global Fracture Liaison Services implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. The partnership's unique approach, including policy, coalitions, mentorship, and scalable solutions, has delivered impactful resources and activities to prioritize secondary fracture prevention.
A systematic review found that private equity investments in healthcare are generally associated with higher costs to patients and payers. The study also suggests that private equity ownership has mixed effects on healthcare quality, while its impact on health outcomes and operator costs is inconclusive.
A systematic review of 55 studies finds no consistently beneficial impacts of private equity ownership on healthcare, confirming the need for increased research and regulation. Private equity firms' ownership is associated with harmful impacts on costs, quality, and health outcomes.
A large-scale study found that exercise programs for dialysis patients lead to significant improvements in physical fitness, quality of life, and reduced hospital stays. Personalized exercise plans showed low costs per training unit, making them a viable option for standard healthcare coverage.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine finds that home blood pressure monitoring can reduce cardiovascular events by 4.9% and stroke cases by 3.8% over 20 years, leading to cost savings and improved health outcomes for underserved populations.
A new study by the University of Bristol highlights significant variations in healthcare spending and care delivery across NHS hospitals following hip fracture. The research found that patients who received timely orthogeriatrician assessment and physiotherapy had lower costs and reduced risk of delirium.
The American Heart Association policy statement outlines strategies to shift towards value-based healthcare and payment models, prioritizing equity, patient and clinician experience, and individual and population health. The recommendations include person-centered, equitable, coordinated care that improves outcomes and controls costs.
A new study found critical gaps and disparities in access to Parkinson's disease care among Medicare beneficiaries. Only 9% of people with Parkinson's disease receive care from movement disorder specialists.
A nationwide produce prescription program for patients with diabetes and food insecurity could prevent 296,000 cases of cardiovascular disease and gain 260,000 quality-adjusted life years. The program is estimated to save $39.6 billion in healthcare spending and $4.8 billion in lost productivity costs.
The American Heart Association has introduced a new telehealth certification program to standardize training for healthcare providers in telehealth care delivery. This certification aims to improve patient outcomes by integrating telehealth into clinical practice.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that curettage and cryosurgery is an effective and safe treatment method for basal cell carcinoma. The procedure involves scraping the lesion with a curette followed by freezing, resulting in good outcomes with minimal side effects.
A new global study published in the leading cancer journal finds that funding for cancer patient navigators improves medical outcomes, increases screening rates, and reduces healthcare costs. Navigators provide personalized care, support patients with diagnosis, treatment options, and relevant medical information.
A global study predicts a significant increase in hip fractures worldwide by 2050, with the number projected to nearly double compared to 2018. The study highlights a post-fracture treatment gap in fracture prevention, particularly for men, leading to increased mortality and dependency.
A study found that even insured patients with diabetes use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to cover excess medical expenses, including uncovered co-pays and life-saving care. Researchers urge policymakers to consider these needs when developing affordable diabetes care policies.
A study analyzing de-identified data from almost 11,000 total visits by Penn Medicine employees found that telemedicine visits were 23 percent less expensive than in-person visits for the same conditions. The per-visit costs of the telemedicine program averaged $380 while in-person encounters cost $493 to conduct.
The study found that only 28% of US youth-serving mental health facilities offered LGBTQ-specific services, highlighting the need for expansion of these services, particularly in underserved areas. Public mental health facilities were less likely to provide such services due to cost concerns.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that elderly hospitalized patients treated by physicians with MD or DO degrees had virtually identical mortality rates, readmissions, length of stay, and healthcare spending. The results suggest high-quality care regardless of the physician's educational background.
An observational study of 329,000 Medicare admissions found that older persons receiving hospital care from allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physicians experience similar quality and cost of care. Researchers also highlight systemic health inequities faced by persons with sickle cell disease.
A Canadian study found that eliminating out-of-pocket medication expenses for patients with cost-related nonadherence results in lower healthcare spending over three years. The analysis suggests that reducing medication costs could lead to significant savings in the overall healthcare system.