Articles tagged with Medical Economics
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) outperform other primary care practices in granting new patient appointments to Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured patients. FQHCs also provide lower-cost visits, with nearly 70% offering such services for $100 or less.
The Gerontological Society of America and New America Media have selected 19 journalists to cover aging issues, including elder abuse, financial security, and mental health. The fellows will convene during the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting and develop major aging-focused stories or series.
New research finds that 50% of under-five child mortality reduction is due to high-impact health interventions, while the remaining 50% is attributed to factors outside the health sector. Successful countries deployed tailored strategies to address immediate needs, work towards long-term visions, and adapt quickly to change.
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin finds that adolescent girls from economically disadvantaged families are more likely to become overweight or obese in adulthood. The research highlights the long-lasting consequences of economic hardship in childhood for obesity risk and social disadvantage in adulthood.
Research by the University of East Anglia found that walking and cycling to work improves mental health and wellbeing. Commuters who switched from driving to active transport reported improved concentration, reduced stress, and better psychological wellbeing.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of older adults (18 million) struggle with daily activities, with 20% requiring assistance. The majority receive help from informal caregivers, but unmet needs persist, particularly among those with few economic resources.
A team of researchers at the University of Calgary has discovered a new mechanism that can reverse chronic pain conditions. They found that interfering with the communication between a specific enzyme and calcium channels in nerve cells can shut off pain signals.
A new University of Akron study reveals that increased workloads and less satisfying job duties during the Great Recession had little direct effect on the health of workers who survived job cuts. Instead, these workers were already accustomed to coping with stressful environments.
A University of Michigan study reveals that over half of US hospitals missed the electronic health record deadline, potentially leading to significant financial penalties. The study found that rural and small hospitals are lagging behind in adopting digital medical records.
Madonna Harrington Meyer, Anja K. Leist, Philipp Hessel, and Mauricio Avendano receive the Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Awards for their groundbreaking work on the complex family dynamics of the 21st century and life-course influences on later-life cognitive function.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection affects both men and women, leading to genital warts and various types of cancer. Vaccinating boys against HPV can prevent these health issues and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that premature newborns are 32% less likely to die if admitted to high volume neonatal units compared to low volume units. High volume units provide more experience and resources for clinicians, leading to better clinical outcomes for vulnerable infants.
A long-term follow-up study found that bariatric surgery resulted in more frequent diabetes remission and fewer complications compared to usual care. The study showed a significant decrease in microvascular and macrovascular complications.
A new study shows that walking 6,000 or more steps per day can reduce the risk of functional limitation associated with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers found that walking just 1,000 extra steps daily reduces incident functional limitation by 16-18% two years later.
A long-term follow-up of obese patients with type 2 diabetes shows that bariatric surgery leads to more frequent diabetes remission. The study found that bariatric surgery results in a lower incidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications compared to usual care.
Researchers found that health issues and relationship changes have a major effect on the economic well-being of low-income rural families. However, social support networks, usually extended family, can help mitigate hardship by providing emotional and financial support.
Infant health has improved among US poor despite worsening economic conditions, thanks to programs like Medicaid, WIC, and SNAP. These policies have helped reduce low-birth-weight babies and improve maternal health.
A review of recent economic research found that newborn health has improved nationally in recent years, with a decrease in low birth weight among disadvantaged mothers over the last 20 years. This improvement is attributed to increased public policies and programming aimed at improving prenatal and postnatal care.
Researchers at the University of Miami found that a one-point increase in high school GPA raises annual earnings by around 12% for men and 14% for women. The study also shows that African-Americans with high GPAs are more likely to graduate from college than their white counterparts.
A recent study found a significant correlation between US foreclosure crisis and rising suicide rates, especially among middle-aged adults. Foreclosures were found to affect not only individuals but also entire communities, exacerbating feelings of loss, shame, or regret.
New prescription drugs are delayed in Canada due to pharmaceutical company submissions to Health Canada. The mean delay was 540 days for approved drugs submitted to the US and EU first.
Researchers analyzed data on nearly 3,000 hospitals from 2006 to 2011, finding that financially weak and safety-net hospitals struggled to recover from the recession. Despite rebounding by 2011, these institutions continue to face significant financial gaps with non-safety-net hospitals.
A statistical modeling study projects almost all European countries will experience rising obesity rates by 2030, with the highest prevalence in females in Ireland. The study highlights the need for urgent policies to reverse this trend and prevent premature mortality and economic strain on healthcare systems.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that Massachusetts' comprehensive health reform in 2006 resulted in a 2.9% decrease in mortality rates compared to similar populations in states without expanded health coverage. The study estimates that the law has prevented approximately 320 deaths per year.
Researchers have discovered two new US turtle species, the Suwannee and Apalachicola alligator snapping turtles, which are found in the southeastern United States. These ancient reptiles were previously thought to be a single species, but genetic analysis reveals deep evolutionary divisions between them.
The Lancet Oncology publishes a major new Commission examining the challenges to effective cancer control in China, India, and Russia. The report highlights disparities in access to cancer care, poor quality of data collection, and barriers to improving cancer care related to social, economic, and environmental factors.
A new study by Dartmouth investigators finds Medicare's current risk-adjustment methodology is flawed and ineffective in adjusting for population differences. The researchers suggest using wealth and health indices as an alternative to explain regional mortality rates, outperforming the current diagnosis-based method.
Research warns of a potential catastrophic epidemic in the Americas due to chikungunya's high transmission rates. The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring more people together, increasing the risk of disease spread.
A study found that primary care providers were capable of accepting new patients prior to the start of the Affordable Care Act coverage expansions, with median wait times under one week. However, Medicaid patients faced significant barriers, with only 58% of practices offering an appointment.
Jean-Marc Kaufman receives prestigious award for his groundbreaking work on osteoporosis and ageing in men. He has advanced our understanding of sex steroids' regulation and action in health and disease.
Professor Cyrus Cooper has made significant contributions to the study of bone and mineral diseases, including pioneering clinical studies on peak bone mass and vitamin D insufficiency. His work has provided valuable insights into the risk factors for osteoporosis and hip fracture in late adulthood.
The Ocean Health Index assesses ocean health across 10 categories, with Brazil scoring lowest in Natural Products and Food Provision. The index provides a framework for strategic management of ocean resources, with opportunities for improvement identified in various states.
A large study of child growth patterns in 36 developing countries found that economic growth was associated with small or no declines in stunting, underweight, and wasting. Improvements in public services such as vaccinations and clean water may also lag behind growth in incomes.
A survey by USC researchers found that those who could benefit most from the Affordable Care Act, including low-income earners, are also the most uninformed about health care policies. The study showed that 42% of Americans couldn't describe a deductible and 62% didn't know the difference between HMO and PPO plans.
A new study published in JAMA Network found that the opening of a casino is associated with a lower rate of overweight children in the surrounding community. The study analyzed data from 117 school districts in California and found that every 1 casino slot per capita gained was linked to an increase in average per capita annual income,...
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has a profound impact on vulnerable Americans living with HIV/AIDS, significantly reducing the transmission of the disease and improving treatment outcomes. Early treatment initiation is crucial in preventing new cases and mortality, with estimated cost savings of $80 billion from 1996 to 2009.
Research finds that living in a socioeconomically deprived region increases the risk of diabetes and obesity, regardless of individual social status. The study analyzed data from over 33,000 people and found significant correlations between regional deprivation and type 2 diabetes and obesity rates.
Basic biological research on unusual animal adaptations has led to significant economic and social benefits, including the development of DNA replication techniques and gecko-inspired adhesives. The authors argue that studying 'odd' science ideas can drive innovation and improve education and health.
Druckman and co-authors theorize that politicization generates anxiety, leading to a status quo bias among citizens. This results in obstacles for new scientific innovations entering the marketplace. The findings will be presented at an AAAS symposium titled 'Using Social Science to Change Decisions and Improve Health Outcomes'.
A large-scale study found that falling stock prices are associated with a significant increase in hospitalisations for mental disorders. The researchers analyzed data from Taiwan over 4,000 days and discovered that daily changes in the stock market index coincided with increased hospitalisations. The effects were more pronounced on men...
Research finds Thatcher's policies led to unnecessary unemployment, welfare cuts, and damaging housing policies resulting in excess deaths. The study also highlights the rise in income inequality and regional disparities in health standards during the Thatcher era.
A study by Canadian researchers found a significant association between food shortages and rising TB cases in Zimbabwe, particularly among HIV-positive individuals. The study suggests that adequate food availability is crucial in controlling TB incidence, especially in areas with high HIV prevalence.
A new database created by UNC Charlotte researchers identifies 306 'health legacy foundations' in 43 states, with critical information on location, asset values, and grant awards. The database helps bridge the gap in documenting philanthropic assets, which are expected to increase due to healthcare reform.
A recent study from Columbia University School of Nursing found that hospitals with a high number of contract nurses had significantly higher levels of patient dissatisfaction and lower quality ratings. The study suggests that equal pay for equal work is essential for better patient outcomes, as low job satisfaction among contract nurs...
A systematic review found that patient decision support interventions have inconsistent results in reducing healthcare spending, with some studies predicting savings ranging from $8 to $3,068 per patient. The impact on treatment utilization rates was mixed and the quality of economic analyses varied.
A new study found that US consumers changed their eating habits significantly between 2003 and 2011, leading to a decline in calorie consumption. The changes persisted independent of economic conditions, suggesting that public health efforts and increased awareness about healthy eating played a crucial role.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that WWII had long-lasting consequences on health, education, and marriage among European survivors. Living in a war-torn country increased the likelihood of physical and mental problems later in life, including diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that white roofs are the most cost-effective option over a 50-year time span, with savings of $2 per square foot compared to black roofs. Green roofs, while more expensive upfront, offer environmental and amenity benefits that may mitigate their financial burden.
Researchers found that chimpanzees can use gestures to coordinate actions in pursuit of a specific goal, such as finding hidden food. The study highlights the primates' ability to remember and communicate about their environment through directional gestures.
Researchers analyzed Google search data during the Great Recession, finding that Americans searched more frequently for information on health ailments. The study revealed a significant increase in searches for symptoms like stomach ulcers, headaches, and back pain, with some queries 200 million times higher than expected.
A new study reveals that the high mortality rates in the US Central Southern states are most likely due to smoking. The study found that smoking behaviors account for a significant burden of smoking, with southern states maintaining high levels of smoking despite declining prevalence nationwide.
Palliative care is misunderstood as a synonym for end-of-life care, causing patients to miss out on symptom relief. Early palliative care can improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with serious illnesses.
A recent study published in PLoS ONE analyzes how financial connections affect economic crises and suggests modifying links between entities to increase robustness. The research highlights the importance of addressing relationships between banks, rather than just focusing on individual entity capital requirements.
The lab, a joint initiative between EcoHealth Alliance and Sabah Wildlife Department, will analyze wildlife health and genetic research, as well as assist in combating the spread of diseases. The facility is part of the USAID-PREDICT Project, aiming to strengthen public health work and protect the region's economic health.
A study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found that those who attempted suicide before age 24 had higher rates of metabolic syndrome, depression, and unemployment later in life. These individuals were also more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric problems and reported feeling lonely and dissatisfied with life.
The study highlights that many people remain sexually active well into later life and positive sexual experiences are related to overall health and wellbeing. It also shows changes in sexual behaviour over the last century, including earlier onset of sex, increased older people's activity, and a closing gap between men and women.
Economic downturns in mid-life may lead to lower cognitive ability and memory problems later on, with men experiencing more severe effects. Analyzing data from 12,000 Europeans, researchers found that those who faced economic recessions during their 40s had poorer cognitive performance at age 50.
Research finds severe economic loss during recession increases drunkenness and alcohol problems in men and middle-aged Americans. Men and those aged 30-49 show most adverse effects of economic loss on drinking patterns.
A new Princeton study reveals that military children and their families face unique challenges despite being resilient. The report sheds light on the economic, social, and emotional impacts of military life on these families, highlighting the need for adaptive programs and community support.
Researchers at George Washington University found that outpatient emergency department encounters could reimburse more for patients gaining Medicaid or private insurance through the Affordable Care Act. On average, uninsured patients who will be eligible for Medicaid would receive 17% higher reimbursement per visit, while those becomin...