Articles tagged with Medical Economics
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that urgent care centers can divert imaging tests away from emergency departments after spinal trauma, resulting in cost savings. The study analyzed data from May 2021 to August 2021 and estimated annual savings of $437,928.
A new study by Columbia University and MIT researchers found that expanding Medicaid coverage to adults can also help enroll children, a phenomenon known as the 'woodwork effect'. The study examined Oregon's 2008 Medicaid lottery and found that for every nine adults who gained coverage, one additional child also enrolled.
A new study led by MIT economist Amy Finkelstein found that for every nine adults who gained access to Medicaid in Oregon, one previously eligible child was added to the Medicaid rolls. The effect is modest but economically meaningful, with children costing four times less to cover than adults.
A new USC analysis found that the largest Medicare Advantage plans pay 27% more for outpatient dialysis treatment compared to traditional Medicare. This significant markup is attributed to the consolidation of the dialysis industry, with two large chains supplying over three-quarters of all dialysis services in the US.
New research finds junk food advertising restrictions have prevented 94,867 fewer obesity cases, 2,857 fewer diabetes cases, and 1,915 fewer cardiovascular disease cases. The policy is estimated to save the NHS £218 million over its lifetime.
A study by the OPik group found that job insecurity is significantly associated with poor mental health in both men and women. The study's findings suggest that wage level and vulnerability are key factors in this relationship.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that exposure to food stamp work requirements significantly increases mental health care use for depression and anxiety. The policy's negative effects are more pronounced among women, who experience a 26% increase in depression visits and a 12% increase in anxiety visits.
A synthetic control analysis of California's millionaire tax found that additional funding could improve mental health outcomes. The study suggests that investing in mental health programs may have prevented up to 5,500 suicides over a 14-year period.
A new study suggests that reducing sugar consumption through sugar taxation policies can have significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Redirecting existing sugar cropland to alternative uses like biofuel production could lead to emissions reductions of up to 54.3 MtCO2e per year.
A study of 3,448 active-duty service members found that nearly double the prevalence of problematic anger two years after separation compared to before separation. Problematic anger was linked to behavioral health issues, relationship problems, and economic difficulties up to five years later.
A new study analyzes US health spending by region and finds that distinct factors drive variation across payers. Regional utilization of healthcare services is highly correlated across payers, but spending itself shows minimal correlation between Medicaid and Medicare populations.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has launched a two-week training course for biologics development and manufacturing, targeting low- and middle-income countries. The program aims to enhance local production of vaccines and biologics in LMICs to address vaccine inequity and global pandemic preparedness.
Researchers found young adults living alone experienced negative mental and physical health impacts from job loss, while those with parents fared better. Fathers' job losses also led to worse outcomes for young adults living at home.
A new study from the University of Washington found that sweetened beverage taxes redistribute dollars from higher- to lower-income households, providing a net economic benefit of $5.3 to $16.4 million per year to lower-income communities. The taxes also fund health programs and reduce consumption of unhealthy drinks.
A new study published in Behavior Genetics found that natural selection favors characteristics associated with lower earnings and poorer education, such as having more children. The research, led by UEA, analyzed data from over 300,000 people in the UK and suggests that this may be contributing to increasing income inequality.
A randomized evaluation of Nurse-Family Partnership found that low-income mothers in South Carolina experienced adverse birth events at a rate of 26.9 percent, similar to the control group. The study evaluated various outcomes, but more evidence is needed on effective interventions to address racial and structural inequities.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation proposes a screening strategy to identify women at high risk of hip fracture, which could lead to a reduction in treatment gaps and improved identification of fractures. The approach combines low-cost assessment with targeted intervention using low-cost generic treatments.
A study published in Labour Economics found that US workers who work alongside industrial robots are more likely to suffer from adverse mental health effects, including substance abuse and increased suicide rates. In contrast, German workers saw no significant mental-health change when exposed to robotics.
A new study found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with an increased risk of having a cluster of multiple chronic diseases, particularly cardio-metabolic and respiratory conditions. The analysis revealed four distinct multimorbidity clusters, with lower PM2.5 exposure linked to musculoskeletal conditions.
A University of Houston study found that 61% of Black and Hispanic adolescents have low vitamin D levels, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and renal disease. The research emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among clinicians about social determinants of health and providing culturall...
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to addiction treatment for adolescents and young adults, particularly those with private health insurance. Prescription claims data shows a significant decline in buprenorphine prescriptions among this age group, especially among those with commercial insurance coverage.
Researchers estimated that hypothetical income support policies could avert approximately 1,200 to 2,800 potential deaths among working-age adults in the United States. The study used econometric modeling to analyze the impact of different policy scenarios on mortality rates.
The Flinders-designed QOL-ACC tool assesses six key quality of life dimensions and has been implemented with over 1000 older Australians, delivering improved standards and transparency in aged care. The results show that the tool performed strongly in a pilot trial, with lower scores for those with poorer self-reported health status.
A new modeling study found that reducing excess prevalence of low birthweight, preterm birth, or small-for-gestational-age birth in low- and middle-income countries could lead to substantial long-term human capital gains. The study estimates potential gains of 20.3 million school years and $68.8 billion in lifetime income per birth coh...
A recent study published by The BMJ found a significant widening gap in death rates between US counties that voted for Democratic and Republican candidates. Between 2001 and 2019, mortality rates decreased by 22% in Democratic counties but only 11% in Republican counties, with the gap increasing sixfold.
A new study by Sonja Spitzer and Mujaheed Shaikh found that older people who overestimate their health visit the doctor less often, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Conversely, those who underestimate their health visit the doctor more frequently.
A new NJIT-led center aims to tackle complex challenges in drug development, including improved solubility, affordability, and accessibility. Researchers will investigate particle properties and develop digital tools to predict behaviors, enabling more efficient formulations and manufacturing processes.
A landmark research article published in Science predicted exponential growth in US drug overdose deaths, which has now come true with over 100,000 annual deaths. The Pitt team suggests that a systems analysis and computational models are necessary to understand the deep causal drivers of the epidemic.
Researchers found no net association between the COVID-19 pandemic and medical debt across different income levels and pandemic severity. Decreases in elective medical procedures and government healthcare-related policies may have offset any increase in medical debt.
A new study found that childhood circumstances and personality traits are significantly associated with loneliness in older age, accounting for 10.42% and 7.50% of the variance respectively. Life experiences during childhood, such as having few friends or a poor relationship with parents, can increase the risk of loneliness later in life.
A new analysis of nationally representative data reveals a significant increase in the impact of HPV vaccination efforts, leading to decreased prevalence of cancer-causing HPV infections among both vaccinated and unvaccinated females. The study found that vaccination has directly protected individuals and generated herd effects, reduci...
Despite significant operating margin reductions in 2020, hospitals' overall profit margins remained similar to prior years, thanks to the COVID-19 relief fund. Government and rural hospitals saw higher profit margins during this time.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that policy changes reduced the share of patients receiving hospice care for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The changes also slowed growth in hospice care use by these patients.
A new study published in BMC Public Health found that people who reported feeling lonely often were significantly more likely to encounter unemployment later. The research also confirmed previous findings that the reverse is true – people who were unemployed were more likely to experience loneliness later.
A study of over 3.5 million Welsh citizens found that those who self-harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to seek help and faced difficulties accessing in-patient treatment. The research used linked electronic health records to investigate healthcare contacts with self-harm during this period.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that adult vaccination rates and social determinants of health impacted children's mental health during the pandemic. Stress surrounding the pandemic decreased in children after vaccinations were rolled out for adults in December 2020.
Experts warn that recent progress in child and adolescent health is under threat without comprehensive reform. A holistic approach that spans preconception to adulthood is needed to reduce mortality and improve health outcomes. Strong health systems must partner with social systems to support children's development.
A new study published in the Chinese Medical Journal assessed mortality risk in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with multiple diseases. The study identified four multimorbidity patterns, with cardiometabolic being the most common, and found that individuals with these patterns had a significantly increased mortality risk.
A new study reveals funding for fertility preservation policies varies across the UK, with Scotland offering the most inclusive approach. The study highlights the need for standardization of policies to ensure equal access to care for patients.
The study analyzed over 125,000 US health care workers, finding that frontline workers were at highest risk of leaving the workforce due to burnout and stress. The researchers also identified specific factors contributing to turnover, such as inadequate staffing and lack of support from employers.
Researchers analyzed 61 COVID-specific chatbots in 30 countries, finding common uses such as risk assessment, symptom data collection, and appointment scheduling. They also discovered that anonymity of user interactions varies across cultures, affecting the effectiveness of follow-up services.
A California study found that adults living with handgun owners had twice the homicide rates compared to those without, with most victims being women. Survivors of nonfatal gunshot injuries also experienced significant healthcare costs and worsening mental health.
A University of Illinois study found that neighborhoods with fewer trees have higher medical costs and poorer health outcomes. Residents in areas with more tree cover incur $374 less in medical costs per year, a difference that translates to approximately $194 million annually.
A study using longitudinal data from the Indian Young Lives survey found that low-birth-weight infants experienced lower test scores compared to normal birth weight infants. The study estimated a 10% increase in birth weight corresponds to a 0.11 standard deviation increase in cognitive test scores at ages 5-8 years.
Investments in primary care research can enhance community-centeredness, reducing inequities in access, quality, and outcomes of care. Strategic research prioritizes whole person care and innovative payment models to support primary care's future success.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals that income loss during COVID-19 significantly increases menstrual product insecurity, with lower-income and less educated individuals most vulnerable. The pandemic's impact on menstruation management challenges underscores the need for health and social policy legi...
Researchers urge federal intervention to make naloxone widely available, citing a 30% increase in fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020. The lack of accessible distribution points and high costs are major barriers to access, with one prescription dispensed for every 70 high-dose opioid prescriptions nationwide.
A survey of nearly 30,000 Korean high school students found a strong association between non-academic internet usage and mental health issues such as stress and suicidal ideation. Students who spent more time online reported better health, reduced stress, and fewer feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts.
Economists Ed Timmons and Conor Norris suggest reforms such as shorter medical school pathways, expanded physician assistant and nurse practitioner independence, and federal regulation of telemedicine to alleviate the healthcare industry's stress in light of COVID-19. These proposals aim to address staffing shortages, improve access to...
Researchers at Washington State University found a causal link between natural gas flaring and increased hospital visits for respiratory health in North Dakota. The study estimated that a 1% increase in flared natural gas increases the hospitalization rate by 0.73%, highlighting the significant impact of flaring on human health.
A new analysis found that healthcare workforce employment levels declined in mid-2020, with skilled nursing facilities experiencing a 13.6% decline compared to 2019. Healthcare sector wages also increased at a lower rate relative to the national average, with a 5% increase in 2020 and 1.5% in 2021.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improved eye health services are associated with moving closer to achieving seven SDGs. Multiple direct connections were discovered between eye health services and increased productivity, household expenditure, income, education, and equality.
A new study estimates that over 5.2 million children worldwide have experienced the death of a parent or caregiver as a result of COVID-19. The number of affected children has nearly doubled in the six months from May 2021 to October 2021, with adolescents aged 10-17 years being disproportionately affected.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University found that veterans who received emergency treatment at VA hospitals had a 20% lower mortality rate compared to those treated at non-VA hospitals. The survival advantage was consistent across different patient groups, including men, women, age, and pre-existing conditions.
The ACC Cardiovascular Summit Virtual aims to equip healthcare leaders with essential leadership skills through three days of live content and on-demand learning. Participants will learn innovative approaches to patient care, clinician experience, and leadership strategies for collaboration, teamwork, and workforce well-being.
Researchers found that fuel poverty leads to higher levels of inflammation, affecting physical health, and lower life satisfaction, impacting wellbeing outcomes. The study's findings highlight the need for policies to support low-income households struggling with fuel poverty.
A Northwestern University study finds that a two-year pause in state funding contributed to the 2016 surge in Chicago youth homicides. The research suggests that restoring funding could be key to reducing violence among young people.
A UCLA-led study found that aducanumab's ancillary care services, such as MRIs and neurologist visits, account for nearly 20% of total Medicare costs. The estimated annual spending on the drug could increase Medicare premiums.
Researchers developed a novel polymeric nanoparticle that selectively binds to fibrinogen in human plasma, offering a simpler and less expensive way to manufacture fibrinogen concentrate. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient fibrinogen-specific affinity reagents for drug development.
Researchers advocate for an evidence-based approach to resource allocation, reallocating funds from wasteful healthcare activities to support education systems. This shift would address the significant negative impacts of COVID-19 disruptions on health, particularly among disadvantaged groups.