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Preterm births, multiples, and fertility treatment

Research finds that fertility treatments increase the risk of multiple births and prematurity, leading to health complications and significant healthcare costs. Experts propose six policy changes to mitigate these risks, including expanding insurance coverage for IVF and improving doctor-patient communication.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateApr 16, 2014

Emergency room use rose slightly after implementation of Massachusetts health care law

Emergency department usage in Massachusetts rose by up to 2.2% after the implementation of a 2006 state law expanding health care access, according to a study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine. The study found that increased insurance coverage reduced financial barriers to care but did not significantly impact access to timely ...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMar 20, 2014

The business of fear: Can our favorite products provide emotional support?

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that brands can act as a replacement source of emotional attachment when a person-to-person support system is not available. Researchers discovered that exposure to fear can increase positive emotional brand attachment, leading to stronger consumer connections with brands.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 11, 2014

Study quantifies costs when failed banks shun financial transparency

A new study by MIT professor Joao Granja shows that more transparent banking practices can help ensure stability when banks fail and reduce costs for consumers or taxpayers. The study found that banks with better disclosure practices received higher bids for their assets during bankruptcy auctions, leading to lower costs for regulators.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateJan 10, 2014

First the hype, now the science: Evidence-based recommendations for PRP

A new study provides the first evidence-based recommendations for the use of PRP in orthopaedic care, identifying successful treatments and areas where further research is needed. The authors conclude that PRP can be effective for conditions like arthritis in the ankle and tennis elbow, but more study is required for other applications.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateDec 10, 2013

New report finds no evidence that safety-net patients receive substandard primary care

A new study by George Washington University researchers finds no evidence that primary care physicians deliver less care to low-income and vulnerable patients. Despite critics' claims of substandard care, the study analyzed data from over 31,000 visits and found comparable care for all patients regardless of insurance status.

UTHealth research: Vermont's health care reform has lessons for other states

Vermont's aggressive health care reform initiatives offer valuable lessons for other states, including engaging stakeholders, coordinating implementation efforts, and capitalizing on federal financing opportunities. The state's centralized administrative board has resulted in lower costs by eliminating duplication of efforts.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2013

Study suggests vision insurance associated with eye-care visits, better reported vision

A recent study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that working-age adults with vision insurance are more likely to have regular eye exams and report better vision. The research suggests that having vision insurance may be an important factor in preventing eye impairment, particularly among individuals with pre-existing condit...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 10, 2012

Racial, ethnic and insurance disparities revealed in post-hospital care after trauma

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that African-Americans, Hispanics, and uninsured patients use fewer post-hospitalization services after traumatic injury. Notably, Hispanic patients were far less likely to utilize post-hospitalization facilities and services regardless of insurance status.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 7, 2011

Go ahead, tell me what to buy: Happy consumers like it (most of the time?)

A new study found that people in a good mood tend to use more direct language when thinking of pleasurable goods. Meanwhile, utilitarian consumption like banking and insurance is met with polite language, leading to higher compliance rates for assertive messages. The research has implications for campaigners and public message composers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 15, 2011

If insurance companies pay out too often, farmers will be threatened with ruin in the long term

A new study found that rain-index insurance can have ecological consequences if farmers adopt unsustainable grazing practices. The study suggests that insurance payouts in periods of moderate drought may incentivize farmers to abandon sustainable management strategies, leading to overgrazing and increased soil erosion. To mitigate thes...

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEcological Economics·DateSep 20, 2011

Why disparities in dental care persist for African-Americans even when they have insurance coverage

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that African Americans with dental insurance still experience barriers to quality care, including limited coverage and inadequate provider availability. This leads to postponed treatment, worsening symptoms, and increased public health expenses.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 16, 2011

Study: Lowering cost doesn't increase hearing aid purchases

A new study by Henry Ford Health shows that patients with mild hearing loss are motivated to purchase hearing aids based on factors other than cost, including perception of need and insurance coverage. Despite significant advancements in hearing aid technology and comfort, many adults with mild hearing loss do not acquire devices.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalThe Hearing Journal·DateMay 10, 2011

The more secure you feel, the less you value your stuff, UNH research shows

A recent study from the University of New Hampshire found that individuals who feel more secure in their relationships place a lower monetary value on their possessions. This heightened sense of security can lead to decreased valuation of possessions, as people perceive them as already being protected by their loved ones.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 3, 2011

Lower mental health co-pays do not help seniors seek care

A new study published in Medical Care found that even steep reductions in co-pays for outpatient mental health care do not motivate more seniors to seek care. Despite parity legislation and reduced co-pays, participation in mental health services remained unchanged, except for black seniors who saw a slight increase.

SourceBrown University·JournalMedical Care·DateFeb 8, 2011