Articles tagged with Insurance
Researchers have developed a new approach to predicting flooding in the West, combining computer simulations with satellite imagery and field data. The method provides more accurate hazard information and could have significant economic impacts on rapidly growing Southwest cities.
Researchers will investigate how patient cost-sharing affects health care law, medical ethics, and the doctor-patient relationship. The study aims to better understand the impact of consumer-directed initiatives on these areas.
Craniofacial plastic surgery helps children with facial deformities gain social acceptance and improve their learning capabilities. The procedure can positively change how others interact with them, leading to better relationships and overall well-being.
A recent study found that foreign-born Asian American and Pacific Island women are significantly less likely to receive breast-conserving surgery than non-Hispanic white women, despite similar demographic and tumor characteristics. Language barriers and cultural factors may contribute to these disparities.
The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) proposes several key strategies to stabilize immunization financing, including expanded funding for vaccine programs and improved reimbursement structures. The NVAC also recommends expansion of the Vaccines for Children Program to include underinsured children in all public health clinics.
A study found that nearly all US physicians in six high-risk specialties reported practicing defensive medicine, with common practices including ordering unnecessary tests and referring patients for consultation. Defensive medicine may reduce access to care and pose risks of physical harm, particularly in women's health.
A study found that lack of accurate knowledge of insurance coverage, rather than actual costs, deters many women from getting screened. More than half of participants identified cost as a barrier to screening, with those who misunderstood their coverage being more likely to do so.
Researchers analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study to assess the number of patients whose health is at risk from being uninsured. At least 23.3% of participants aged 51-57 were uninsured at some point, with a higher proportion in late middle age., Urgent policy measures are needed to expand coverage for this group
A study analyzing 2002 claims data from two large private health insurers in Washington state found that 83.6% of insured children had any insurance claims, with 6.2% using an alternative professional during the year. CAM use was more likely among children with cancer, low back pain, and adult family members who used CAM.
A new study estimates the economic costs of firefighter injuries to be between $2.8 and $7.8 billion, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and prevention programs. The report recommends investing in technologies such as robots for reconnaissance and early detection systems to reduce injury costs.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a decline in reconstructive procedures due to insurance companies excluding coverage for procedures like skin lesion removals and breast reduction. This leaves patients with limited options, forcing them to choose between affording necessary procedures or living with painful medical conditions.
A survey of 415 senior citizens in Western New York found that more than half faced barriers to seeing a dentist, with finances and anxiety being major concerns. The study suggests that dentists should discuss these barriers with their patients to improve access to dental care.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that bacteria in biofilms rapidly diversify, providing a form of biological insurance against adverse conditions. This diversity increases the bacteria's capabilities and may contribute to the difficulty in eradicating chronic infections caused by biofilms.
A study conducted at Cornell University found that raising office temperatures from 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit resulted in a 44% decrease in typing errors and a 150% increase in typing output. The findings suggest that warmer temperatures can lead to increased productivity and cost savings for employers.
Researchers analyzed 324 combinations of public and private wind speed and damage models, finding vastly different results due to varying inputs. Creating a centralized database of wind speeds and requiring insurance companies to divulge more information about damage claims could help improve the accuracy of these models.
Researchers recommend implementing a carbon tax to protect against long-term climate change, with the goal of buying 'insurance' against future adjustment costs. The study suggests that immediate action can be more cost-effective than waiting and acting later.
Current studies suggest opinion leaders and national guidelines have significant effects on vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) rates. However, research is inconclusive on the impact of legal factors, doctor characteristics, and insurance type. The study found no good evidence that litigation or legislative mandates influence VBAC rates.
A recent study found that nearly 28% of radiology claims went unpaid, with lost revenue exceeding $20 billion annually. The study suggests that managed care companies are pocketing these funds, limiting patient access and forcing physicians to cease participating with tardy payers.
The value of screening varies by condition, and it can both identify treatable conditions and subject patients to invasive evaluations. Researchers recommend carefully considering each condition's worthiness and exploring prospective studies on screening efficacy.
A study found that clerks at large urban medical centers make discretionary choices when deciding whether to provide care to uninsured patients. Despite policies being ambiguous or incomplete, most frontline staff reported not turning patients away.
Prudent-layperson laws have reduced emergency department denials based on symptoms, rather than diagnoses. Insurers are now more likely to cover treatments, and fines for non-compliance have increased industry-wide changes in ED claims management.
A new study found that transferred patients are sicker and more likely to die than those admitted directly, damaging hospital scores on measures used by patients, insurers, and employers. The 'transfer effect' must be accounted for in hospital benchmarking tools to ensure accurate representation of quality care.
A study found that 26% of jurors sanctioned deception by doctors to obtain care, while 70% favored appealing denied requests. The public's lack of trust in the healthcare system has led to support for 'physician gaming' to gain access to needed care.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that faceguards reduced facial injuries by 35% and safety balls cut ball-related injuries by 29%. The research analyzed over 6.7 million player-seasons of Little League participation, making it the largest and most comprehensive study of its kind.
A recent study by HealthPartners found that insurance coverage for smoking cessation programs had no significant effect on quitting rates. Despite previous studies suggesting the effectiveness of bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy, researchers found that smokers with coverage were no more likely to quit than those without it.
A recent study by Penn State found that disabled seniors formerly on SSDI spend significantly more on prescription drugs than the rest of the Medicare population. The study discovered that nearly half of these seniors spent 10% or more of their income on medication, highlighting a pressing concern for this vulnerable population.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that 11% of doctors are willing to misrepresent patient information to obtain HMO approval for surgery or additional procedures. The 'hassle factor' plays a significant role in this behavior, with more physicians willing to deceive if the appeal process is longer or more burdensome.
A study by Philip Breitfeld shows that initial hospital treatment costs can top $75,000 per child, but the average cost per year of life saved is just $2,700. Insurers lack access to data to justify spending on curative cancer therapies, leading to denied payments for high-priced procedures.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that HMO gatekeeping policies may not be effective in reducing specialty visits. The study found a small increase in new specialty visits, but no change in overall rates of specialist visits.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that generic drugs have stabilized at about 40% of prescriptions, despite growing market share. The team suggests therapeutic interchange as a viable solution to balance cost-cutting with effective medication.
A study in Manitoba found that altering drug benefits led to reduced prescriptions for inhaled corticosteroids among children with severe and mild to moderate asthma. Higher-income neighbourhoods were disproportionately affected. The authors emphasize the need for policies not to deter patients from using essential medications.
A study found that managed care coverage improves the quality of care for children with asthma, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary emergency department visits. Children in managed care plans were more likely to see their primary care physicians before visiting the ER, leading to more appropriate treatment.
Researchers at Clemson University are testing 15 houses with hurricane-resistant retrofits to determine their effectiveness. The study aims to provide more accurate estimates of retrofit costs and benefits, helping homeowners decide whether the expense is worth it.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that 13 children died playing Little League baseball between 1987 and 1996. The research also revealed that ball-related mishaps totaled 15,266, with batters suffering most of those injuries. Face and teeth injuries accounted for 12,306 incidents, mostly to fielders.
A study by Stanley Changnon and colleagues found no evidence of an increase in catastrophic weather events, despite rising property losses. The growth of losses is attributed to the increasing population in coastal and urban areas, leading to a larger target-at-risk.
A study published in The American Journal of Managed Care found that insurance companies are losing money by requiring prior authorization for all tretinoin prescriptions for patients over 25 years old. In fact, the restrictions can lead to a high administrative cost due to the drug's applications beyond acne treatment.
The Patent and License Exchange will facilitate safe and efficient transfer of quality patents and licenses through a sophisticated searchable database, transparent pricing model, and new patent insurance products. The company aims to reduce the cash value lost due to inefficient patent markets, estimated at over $500 million annually.
A new technique discovered by Lars Sørensen allows thieves to unlock and steal from cars using handheld computers, exploiting vulnerable infrared remote controls. The method is being taken seriously by car manufacturers, who are investigating ways to mitigate the threat.
Researchers found that 69% of congestive heart failure patients in managed care plans were admitted to hospitals through the emergency room, compared to 29-58.5% for patients with other types of insurance. This may be due to barriers to outpatient care or timely hospital admission.
Most people are reluctant to purchase insurance against natural disasters due to perceived low risk and high cost, according to a 1978 NSF study. Property owners often forego buying insurance unless required by mortgage or in areas with regulatory restrictions on premiums.