Articles tagged with Health Care Delivery
Researchers at Brown University found that payments to Medicare Advantage brokers more than doubled between 2014 and 2022, rising from $3.9 billion to roughly $10 billion a year. The study also revealed that broker involvement is common and growing, with 70% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries generating renewal commissions.
A study found that adolescents aware of their state's minor consent laws were more likely to seek and receive HIV and other sexually transmitted infections testing. Teens who accurately knew their legal capacity to consent to healthcare services had higher testing rates.
Researchers found little consistency in prior authorization rules from Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, highlighting a fragmented system that may contribute to administrative burden. Assembling these rules into a shared database is feasible and could improve transparency for patients and clinicians.
A nationwide study found no significant association between telemedicine adoption and changes in US ambulatory visits or total medical spending. The expansion of telemedicine has eased concerns about increased utilization and spending, as the growth did not lead to large increases in these areas.
A new study found that telemedicine has not led to increased visits and medical spending across all payer types, easing concerns about ballooning costs. However, it also found that rural areas and commercially insured patients had higher spending, but these changes were not statistically significant.
The Health Sciences Building will serve as a nexus of learning, engagement, and research for UofL's four health sciences schools and the community. The building features extensive medical simulation facilities, dedicated spaces for learning, research, and work.
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
A national survey of 971 clinicians found that burnout, chronic workplace stress, administrative burden, and unrealistic patient expectations are now among the top reasons physicians leave clinical practice early. The study also highlights gender disparities in physician decisions to exit clinical practice.
Keck Hospital of USC and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital have received two consecutive 'A' Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, demonstrating their commitment to patient safety. This achievement reflects the hospitals' pursuit of highest standards of care and staff dedication to excellence.
The report highlights a driven workforce despite rising pressures, with 83% of nurses citing purpose as a key motivator. Practical considerations like flexibility and job security are increasingly important for nurses evaluating their future.
A survey of 32,419 adults across 18 countries found that people with poor mental health reported worse care quality and less confidence in the healthcare system. The study highlights a need for healthcare systems to rethink how they serve this growing population with more complex needs.
A retrospective study found lower in-hospital mortality and emergency department use within 30 days of discharge for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing hospital at home compared to traditional inpatient care. However, hospital readmissions within 30 days showed no significant difference between the two approaches.
The ASPIRE trial aims to enroll 1,200 participants with advanced prostate cancer and assess the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival and disease progression. Genetic profiling is included to identify patients who benefit most from intensified treatment.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed guidelines for treating anxiety disorders in adults in primary care settings. Behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are recommended treatments.
A new study reveals significant variation in sickle cell disease hospitalizations and costs across New York State, with regional differences in access to specialized care and treatment impacting outcomes. Long Island and New York City show high costs and complex cases, while Central New York has the longest average length of stay.
A phone-based teach-to-goal program improved correct inhaler use in Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with COPD. The study found that nearly 40% of participants used their inhaler incorrectly initially, but after the program, only about 7% were incorrect, resulting in a significant reduction.
Researchers found that a newer stool-based screening test, FIT-DNA, increased completion rates among participants from community health centers. However, follow-up colonoscopy tests remained low, highlighting the need for continued support and access to diagnostic services.
Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine and Boston University School of Public Health have developed a national Medicaid claims data platform to illuminate spending variation across states, plans, and populations. The project aims to provide actionable data for policymakers to improve care and efficiency.
A new study shows that while dental opioid prescription fills in the US have dropped by 27% since 2021, the rate remains higher than in other developed countries and the US territory of Puerto Rico. The study suggests that some US dentists are still overprescribing opioids.
A cross-sectional study of patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer found racial and ethnic disparities in disease presentation. De novo metastatic breast cancer disproportionately contributes to breast cancer mortality in the U.S., emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to improve care delivery and outcomes.
Researchers found that patients taking TNF inhibitors reported better energy levels and mood, while those on IL-6 and JAK inhibitors showed improved physical functioning. This suggests different drug classes offer distinct advantages across quality-of-life domains.
A new study found that kratom exposures reported to US poison centers increased 6,500% between 2010 and 2023, with severe outcomes rising from zero cases to 158. States with kratom bans had lower rates of exposure and healthcare use compared to those with regulations.
The article highlights how advances in remote monitoring and portable medical technology are dismantling traditional hospital walls. Hospital-at-Home programs offer a scalable solution to acute care delivery, resulting in lower costs, reduced readmission rates, and improved patient outcomes.
University Hospitals is the first US health system to achieve ISO 9001 certification for its corporate headquarters and the first in Ohio with all hospitals certified. The achievement demonstrates a systemwide commitment to consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
A new analysis found that prescriptions for curable hepatitis C drugs have declined sharply in recent years, leaving millions without treatment. The researchers urge swift actions to deliver the drugs to those who need them, including increased screening and system-level changes.
A study by the Alliance Foundation Trials shows that combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery can help more patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer undergo complete cancer resection, improving their long-term health. The treatment also led to high rates of lymph node clearance and successful surgical re...
The American Geriatrics Society has honored 18 leaders in the field of geriatric medicine for their outstanding contributions to high-quality, person-centered care for older adults. These awards recognize individuals who have made significant impacts through education, research, and clinical practice.
A study analyzing Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data reveals higher awareness and treatment of major risk factors among Korean women with CVD, but lower control rates. Sex differences were observed in most management indicators, with men having more risk factors on average.
A community-based point-of-care HCV RNA testing program was feasible and led to a high percentage of same-day treatment for American Indian and Alaska Native participants. The study supports expanding point-of-care HCV RNA testing and integrated treatment to advance HCV elimination.
A new multicenter trial demonstrates that hepatologists trained in palliative care can deliver the same quality-of-life benefits as a palliative care specialist. Quality of life improved significantly in both groups, with symptom burden and short-term mortality comparable between groups.
A study of 21 large language models found that they excel at accurate final diagnoses but falter at differential diagnoses, highlighting the need for human oversight in healthcare. The researchers developed a novel measure, PrIME-LLM, to evaluate AI's clinical competency across different stages of reasoning.
Dr. Ariel Green will receive the award for her work on deprescribing research, focusing on optimizing medication use for older adults with multiple chronic conditions. She has garnered several grants as Principal Investigator and serves as Chair of the AGS Clinical Practice Committee.
A recent study found that 15% of Chinese immigrants use China-based telehealth apps for medical advice while living in the US. These apps are preferred due to lower costs, ease of access, and language support. However, reliance on foreign-based services raises concerns about patient safety, continuity of care, and regulatory oversight.
A new USC study found that in-store pharmacies filled less than 2% of mifepristone prescriptions since the FDA eased dispensing requirements, with mail-order pharmacies accounting for most fills. The study suggests significant access gaps in states with stronger legal protections for abortion.
A study found that children who need dental care the most are less likely to participate in school-based cavity prevention programs, which can lead to significant savings for state Medicaid programs. Improving participation among high-risk children could save up to $2.4 million annually.
A retrospective cohort study found that outpatient early methadone dose titration is associated with improved treatment retention in individuals using fentanyl. This approach also lowers the risk of opioid toxicity, according to Canadian and US clinical guidance.
Nancy L. Lewis, MD, MBS, FACP, a renowned biomedical researcher and clinical trials expert, has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). She will oversee NCCN's programs to advance clinical trials and improve cancer care outcomes globally.
A team-based program in community health clinics helped low-income patients reduce their blood pressure more than standard care alone. After 18 months, patients in the team-based program saw a significant drop in systolic blood pressure and showed better adherence to hypertension treatment.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
A new $1.75 million grant from the Merck Foundation aims to address barriers to good heart health in Atlanta communities. The partnership delivers more personal support, pairing patients with community health workers who coordinate care and services.
Dr. G. Michael Harper, a renowned mentor and educator, receives the Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award from AGS for his transformative work in geriatrics education. He has developed innovative programs and standards that train healthcare professionals to care for older adults.
A new survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds that only 42% of Americans are open to using AI in their healthcare, down from 52% in a previous survey. The decline in trust is attributed to concerns about AI's accuracy and the potential for it to replace human judgment in medical decision-making.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has received a $300,000 NSF grant to develop quantum computing-based tools for two-step uncertainty optimization problems. This will enable researchers and industry engineers to quickly determine the potential benefits of quantum computing in solving complex decisions.
Ochsner Baton Rouge welcomes several new physicians, including a psychiatrist and orthopedic specialists, as well as advanced practice providers. The medical center now offers expanded care options for patients with various health conditions, thanks to the addition of these specialized healthcare professionals.
Inuit communities in Nunavik, Quebec, are facing a devastating tuberculosis epidemic, with rates 1000 times higher than non-Inuit populations. The study's findings highlight the need for increased healthcare resourcing and community-led initiatives to address this crisis.
Dr. Rivera's exceptional clinical career is recognized for strengthening community-based health programs, leveraging technology to improve older adult care, and integrating age-friendly principles beyond specialty settings. She advocates for geriatricians as key partners in primary care, providing support to manage complex care needs.
East Campus Medical Center has doubled its average daily census since 2024, with over 4,000 patients transferring to the hospital from other UC San Diego Health locations. The hospital now offers expanded services in cardiology, gastroenterology, and more, with a focus on continuity and relationship-based medicine.
A new portable AI-powered scanning slit-light device makes low-cost eye disease screening more accessible, providing quantitative measurements and qualitative assessments of anterior-segment abnormalities. The lightweight AI model allows for on-device analysis, reducing operator dependence and improving portability.
This cross-sectional study found that direct care worker unionization and employer ownership are independently associated with workforce turnover rates. State policies facilitating DCW unionization or public employment of DCWs may improve retention rates, according to the study.
Research reveals longer weekly home-visit rehabilitations (HR) significantly improve activities of daily living (ADL) among older adults, especially those requiring moderate to severe care. The study found that HR duration correlates with ADL improvement in this population.
A new AI chatbot helps patients access retinal detachment advice through personalized, real-time, clinically grounded conversations. The system outperformed leading large language models and includes accessibility features for people with low vision or limited English proficiency.
A multi-site study found that AI scribes reduced electronic health record usage by 3% and clinical documentation time by 10%, with primary care physicians experiencing the greatest reductions. The technology also showed a slight increase in productivity, measured as 0.5 additional patient visits per week.
A new study by Tulane University found that Oregon's hospital financial assistance policy significantly reduced medical debt in collections. The policy was associated with 872-1,180 fewer people per county having medical debt in collections, and increased charity care spending.