Articles tagged with Financial Services
A Veterans Health Administration program significantly improved access to mental health and primary care services for veterans with behavioral health needs. The initiative resulted in 11% more mental health visits, 40% more primary care visits, and a 9% higher average annual cost per patient.
A global payment model has slowed spending growth on medical claims by nearly 12% while improving quality of care, particularly for patients with chronic diseases. The study found that patients received improved preventive care and management of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Researchers found that ACOs with a balance of primary care providers and specialists had lower annual spending per beneficiary. The study suggests policymakers consider adding medical specialists to ACO governance and creating better financial incentives for specialists.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 29.5% in June 2018 to 31% in June 2019, up 1.5 percentage points. The labor force participation rate also rose, indicating greater independence and financial support for individuals with disabilities.
A new model developed by Dr. Len Nichols and Lauren Taylor helps communities develop skills and resources needed to finance social and health services, aiming to improve cost and health outcomes. The Collaborative Approach to Public Good Investment (CAPGI) model provides specific tactics for sustainable financing of healthy opportunities.
A national study led by University of Washington professor Alexes Harris reveals the disproportionate impact of court-imposed fines and fees on low-income individuals and people of color. The study highlights how private companies profit from a captive population while government agencies direct them.
A recent study by the University of Washington found that private companies are profiting from the forced participation of individuals in the justice system. The research highlights the need for policymakers to develop transparent oversight to ensure that private arrangements do not impose undue burdens on those involved.
The CASA program will stimulate investment in emerging agri-markets, benefiting 565,000 smallholders with increased incomes up to £80/year. The initiative also focuses on empowering women farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices.
A survey of 15 successful ECMO transport programs reveals variations in organization, team structure, and certification process. The study emphasizes the need for international standards and accreditation to ensure high-quality care.
An investigation by The BMJ found that many NHS trusts are keeping secret details of their partnerships with drug companies, despite official guidance for transparency. Joint working arrangements between the NHS and industry have spent over £7.5m on projects such as ADHD medication reviews and age-related macular degeneration treatments.
A study found that paying patients to use lower-priced medical providers can reduce healthcare spending by an average of 2.1%. The program offered a cash reward to patients who used lower-priced providers, resulting in a 4.7% decrease in MRI prices, 2.5% decrease in ultrasound prices, and 1.7% decrease in mammogram prices.
A new report suggests that incentivizing downsizing for 'last-time buyers' aged 55+ can ease the UK's housing crisis. The report highlights the role of financial services in expanding mortgage offerings and insurance policies to help older people monetize their housing wealth, thereby funding retirement and covering care costs.
A major Arizona health system implemented financial turnaround process focusing on improving productivity, efficiency, and revenue. By end of 2018, the system achieved a financial turnaround of over $150 million through price transparency initiatives.
A study found that hospitalizations among homeless adults have risen sharply, with 52% hospitalized for mental illness or substance use disorder. The authors suggest that limited access to behavioral health services and aging of the homeless population may contribute to this trend.
Researchers found that supplementing telephone counseling with access to nicotine-replacement patches and moderate financial incentives significantly improves smoking cessation outcomes in the Medi-Cal population. The study also suggests that modest financial incentives can be an effective intervention for low-income populations.
A scoping review of 15 studies on hospital physician engagement found that young, experienced, and single physicians were more engaged. Personal attributes like resiliency, self-efficacy, and optimism, as well as work-related factors such as quality of work life and job resources, also linked to higher engagement.
A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that the length of time between product consumption and posting affects review quality, with early reviews being more negative and later ones more positive. The study also discovered that geographical and cultural distances influence how reviewers rate experiences.
A study found that Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) costs may be higher than expected reimbursements, potentially limiting access to recommended services for minority and low-income patients. The program aims to prevent diabetes in Medicare beneficiaries, but insufficient reimbursement may deter healthcare providers.
Wraparound services, co-located with primary care, are associated with a reduction in hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Researchers estimated potential cost savings of $8.2 million from 2011 to 2016, representing an average annual savings of $1.4 to $2.4 million.
ReCRED project develops secure authentication system linking user's identity to their mobile device, eliminating password management. The platform uses data-based security and incorporates biometric information for verification.
A special issue of Health Physics journal highlights women's contributions to and experiences in radiation protection and safety. The articles showcase the historic roles of women pioneers and their diverse roles in health physics, including research on approaches in monitoring radiation exposure.
A series of articles and commentaries highlights the importance of process improvements, team culture, and enterprise cybersecurity in preventing cyberattacks. Healthcare executives discuss key components of effective cybersecurity strategies, including organization-wide training and shared responsibility.
A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that nearly a third of young adults are financially precarious due to poor financial literacy and income instability. These individuals often rely on alternative financial services, which can lead to high interest rates and fees.
A study found that Medicare preventive care visits are lower in racial and ethnic minority patients, with income and education partially explaining the difference. The rate of use increased modestly since its introduction but remains low, highlighting the need to promote its use among beneficiaries and providers.
Researchers at George Mason University propose a 12-step model to finance social determinants that could lead to significant cost savings for healthcare stakeholders. The model aims to incentivize sustainable funding for services like reliable housing, nutrition, and transportation, which are crucial for future health outcomes.
A new study estimates that Hurricane Maria caused over 1,139 deaths in Puerto Rico through December 2017, exceeding the official death toll of 64. The analysis used vital statistics records to account for indirect deaths due to infectious disease outbreaks and lack of services.
A study in Honduras found that combining conditional payments with investment in schools and clinics leads to better educational and labor market outcomes. The research suggests that this approach can have a transformative impact on individuals' lives.
A new study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) have a role in developing outcome-based contracting but are not a panacea for public service reform. SIBs were shown to be effective in providing personalized support and flexibility, but their impact on cost savings is limited.
A new study from the University at Buffalo reveals that households in Nairobi's slums receive inferior household services and pay higher rent compared to formal settlements. The double-jeopardy situation highlights the need for significant public financing or combined public-private investments to address housing and infrastructure gaps.
A new Lancet Commission proposes a comprehensive package of interventions addressing neglected areas like infertility services, prevention, and counselling for gender-based violence. Meeting all needs for sexual and reproductive health services would require a minimum global investment of $54 billion annually.
A four-year grant will support the Program on Water, Health & Development (WHD) in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia and Uganda. WHD aims to develop concrete plans for expanding water services to all residents within a target district, guided by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame finds that when audit offices prioritize non-audit services due to fee pressure, audit quality suffers, leading to increased client misstatement rates and compromised financial statement accuracy.
A first-of-its-kind study links fringe loan use to a higher risk of poor health, with those using fringe services more likely to report fair or poor health. The study's findings have social policy implications for re-engineering safety nets for low-income populations.
A study found that military personnel receive extensive civilian mental health services due to inadequate military services. The most common reasons for seeking help were insufficient services, fear of reprisal, and mistrust of command.
A recent analysis of Medicare billing records reveals that hospital charges for outpatient oncology services can exceed Medicare payouts by twofold to sixfold. The study, published in the American Journal of Managed Care, emphasizes the need for fair and transparent pricing to protect vulnerable patients from financial burdens.
A Tel Aviv University study suggests that assigning practical, task-related assistance to newcomers can prevent burnout. This approach is more effective than encouraging emotional support or helping with personal issues. By involving new employees in providing instrumental help, managers can mitigate burnout and improve productivity.
A recent study found that 37% of ACOs have a management partner, who provides essential services such as data analysis, administrative support, and care coordination. These partnerships enable smaller organizations to participate in ACOs and improve quality, with management partners also providing financing and acting as 'ACO-enablers'
A Canadian study found that increased social spending was associated with improved health outcomes, while increased healthcare spending had no similar effect. The researchers suggest that reallocating funds from healthcare to social services could lead to significant improvements in life expectancy and mortality rates.
A study of 6.7 million patients found postoperative mortality increased gradually as the day of surgery approached the weekend. The odds of death were 12% higher for Thursday operations and 24% higher for Friday operations compared to Monday operations.
A new financial services tribunal is proposed to fill the gap in resolving mid-market disputes between financial institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises. The tribunal could increase international demand for English credit, reduce compliance costs, and improve innovation and growth.
A new study published in Health Affairs finds that veterans receiving VA care have lower rates of excessive end-of-life interventions compared to those on Medicare. The research suggests that the financial incentives of Medicare's fee-for-service model drive higher-intensity care for patients nearing death.
A study by UBC Sauder School of Business found that price-conscious consumers perceive customer service workers as less human. This dehumanization can lead to poorer treatment and higher job dissatisfaction among employees. The research highlights the importance of recognizing human needs in customers, even when focusing on saving money.
The project PoupeMais, developed by MGov Brasil, aims to educate 10,000 account holders in Brazil about healthy financial habits and reduce indebtedness. The startup uses SMS and reverse-charge calls to collect data and evaluate the impact of financial education messages on consumption decisions.
A new study found that consumer-directed health plans, touted for their money-saving potential, have little impact on reducing spending on low-value services. Despite rising enrollment, these plans failed to motivate patients or doctors to curb unnecessary care.
A public-private effort in Los Angeles County has reduced emergency medical services, inpatient hospital care, and outpatient health services use among those enrolled in the Housing for Health program. Participants made an average of 1.64 fewer emergency room visits and inpatient hospital stays decreased by more than 4 days.
A new study suggests that despite the rise in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), most Americans who have them aren't pursuing consumer-like behaviors such as saving, shopping around, or discussing costs with healthcare providers. Key findings include low savings rates and limited engagement with providers.
The study found that annual well-visit rates among adolescents increased from 41% to 48% after the ACA, with significant gains among minority and low-income adolescents. The ACA's requirement for coverage of preventive services without a copay led to increases in the receipt of recommended services up to age 21.
Scientists have unveiled a dataset mapping diverse migrant communities in the EU, providing insights for policymakers to develop targeted integration policies. The maps reveal residential patterns of migrants by nationality or country of origin, highlighting concentration, diversity, and segregation within cities.
A study found that Medicare pay-for-performance programs are having a disproportionate financial impact on hospitals in the Mississippi Delta region, causing declining financial performance. The programs have led to widening disparities in financial performance between Delta and non-Delta hospitals.
A study found that many discarded kidney organs can be suitable for transplantation if certain steps are taken to limit damage following donation. The use of these organs could be increased by limiting cold ischemia times.
A new study by the University of Cambridge found that telephone consultations to determine whether a patient needs to see their GP face-to-face do not reduce GP workload or hospital referrals. Instead, they may increase overall GP workload and lead to increased secondary care costs.
The NHS plans to sell off unused land to raise funds for essential maintenance and modernization of healthcare services. Kailash Chand, a GP, raises concerns that this approach may not address underlying shortfalls in the health budget and could lead to long-term costs.
A new study finds that an open gym format for cardiac rehabilitation shortens waiting times by an average of 14.9 days, compared to traditional scheduled appointments. The flexible scheduling model also showed no significant differences in outcomes, including exercise capacity and depressive symptoms.
Research at University College London found that people on low incomes who are extraverted tend to spend more on luxury goods to compensate for their financial status. Introverts with similar incomes, however, do not exhibit this behavior, suggesting a relationship between personality and spending habits.
A study found that high-quality early intervention for children with autism can lead to significant cost savings. After just two years, the costs associated with the Early Start Denver Model were fully offset due to reductions in other services. The model uses a developmental curriculum and teaching procedures delivered by therapy team...
Medical expenditures in the US have increased by 47% between 1996-1997 and 2011-2012, mainly due to higher prescription drug use. However, primary care physician visits and home health care costs remained relatively stable.
A study published in Medical Care found that vertical integration of primary and hospital care led to a lower rate of hospital readmissions. The analysis included nearly 1.2 million hospital admissions between 2004 and 2013, resulting in a relative ten percent decrease in the probability of unplanned readmission.
The study will examine how healthcare services are delivered to people on probation and identify ways to improve health outcomes and reduce recidivism. By analyzing existing data and conducting surveys, the researchers aim to develop evidence-based guidelines for better healthcare commissioning in this vulnerable population.
Local sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) for NHS England are unlikely to work due to four major problems: insufficient funding, rushed development, lack of statutory force, and a gap in social care services. Expert Kieran Walshe calls for government action to address these issues.
Researchers have developed TumbleBit, a computer protocol that enhances Bitcoin's anonymity by involving multiple parties in transactions. The system's three phases ensure a higher level of security and privacy for users.