The Osher Collaborative for Integrative Medicine has launched a new quarterly column in JACM, discussing strategies to advance health justice through integrative medicine principles. The inaugural column highlights the need to address bias and discrimination in intrapersonal attitudes and behaviors.
A new study found that an intensive 6-day Ayurveda-based mind-body program increased self-awareness and related health benefits. The program was compared to a control group, showing significant increases in neti values at both immediate completion and the 1-month follow-up.
A new report highlights the benefits of health literacy for both patients and providers, achieving the quadruple aim of quality care, community health, reduced costs, and improved patient and provider experiences. Health literacy can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospitalization rates, and lower health expenditures.
A new study examines the potential health impacts of Republican and Democratic tax proposals on the US population's health. The research suggests that only policies raising top federal income tax rates and redistributing tax revenue to lower-income households can significantly reduce mortality rates, with estimated reductions ranging f...
Researchers at The Dartmouth Institute found that physicians with more experience and certain specialties tend to slow the use of carotid revascularization procedures. Despite evidence showing these procedures don't benefit older or symptom-free patients, decline rates remained inconsistent across specialties.
A new study found that stronger alcohol policies, including taxes and sales restrictions, can reduce the likelihood of alcohol involvement among homicide victims. This policy change resulted in a 1% reduction in likelihood of alcohol involvement for every 1% increase in policy restrictiveness.
A new study by the University of Warwick found that only two-thirds of trainee doctors plan to work in NHS general practice due to concerns about workload pressure and low morale. Many prefer locum or salaried positions over partnerships. The study highlights the need for improved GP training programs and workforce planning.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that women with a history of C-section delivery had a higher risk of reoperation and surgical complications after undergoing a hysterectomy. Women with two or more C-section deliveries were also more likely to receive blood transfusions.
A study by RTI International found that low Medicaid payment rates discourage residential care providers from serving Medicaid beneficiaries, limiting access to community-based care. This results in a reliance on nursing homes, which can be more expensive for taxpayers.
A new USC-led study reveals that Medicare Advantage plans pay physicians similar prices to traditional Medicare, with most procedures seeing reimbursement rates near parity. The researchers also found that commercial insurance pays higher prices for many services.
Patient recordings of doctor's visits are becoming more common, but laws governing them vary by state. In states with 'one-party' consent rules, patients can record clinical encounters without the doctor's permission, while in 'all-party' jurisdictions, covert recordings are illegal unless all parties consent.
A new study found a substantial increase in CVI procedures in the Medicare population between 2005 and 2014. Cardiology saw the most rapid growth in market share, while vascular surgeons and other specialists also increased their services.
The US health system faces significant challenges, with high costs, persistent disparities, and the financial burden of chronic illness. Eight policy directions were identified as vital to improve health outcomes and increase efficiency, including four action priorities and four essential infrastructure needs.
The Hyde Amendment has expanded its policy reach over the past 40 years, affecting various government programs including Medicaid, Medicare, and federal prisons. A new bill, H.R. 7, could codify this restriction into law, making abortion more difficult for low-income women to access.
Research at Boston Medical Center found that stronger alcohol policies in states reduce the number of young people who die in crashes caused by drunk driving. The study used an alcohol policy scale to assess 29 policies across the US, correlating them with the number of underage deaths in alcohol-related crashes.
A recent study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that smaller and more focused insurers are earning profits in the new healthcare market. The researchers attribute their success to their experience managing Medicaid programs, where they developed products targeting low-income consumers.
Primary care physicians strongly endorse prohibiting insurance denials for pre-existing conditions and allowing young adults to stay on parents' plans until 26. Most favor policy changes increasing consumer choice, such as a public option and tax credits.
The reports found that CMS' proposed criteria for special considerations would result in many radiologists being evaluated using measures not reflective of their practice. Alternative criteria could help ensure fair opportunities for success in performance review under MIPS.
A recent publication from the Medica Research Institute highlights the need for addressing workforce disparities in pediatrics. Young investigators and seasoned researchers discuss key challenges, such as racism and discrimination, and offer guidance on career development and mentorship.
A new study using national patient ratings website data found that most US radiologists receive favorable satisfaction scores from their patients. The study also showed that radiologists in the Northeast scored lower than those elsewhere, and online reviews tend to be strongly positive or negative.
A study by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute found a decline in new enteral access procedures for Medicare patients over the past two decades. Meanwhile, maintenance services increased, with radiologists and emergency physicians surpassing gastroenterologists and surgeons as leading providers.
A comprehensive model estimates the cost of providing a set of essential medicines to all people in low- and middle-income countries. The model suggests that it would cost $13 to $25 per capita annually to ensure access to these medicines, with total costs ranging from $77 billion to $152 billion.
Leading ethics journals urge stricter protections for patients from doctors' personal values and conscientious objection. Bioethicists advocate prioritizing patient needs over clinicians' subjective moral opinions.
A recent study found that Medicaid policies requiring tobacco-cessation counseling actually decrease the use of anti-smoking medications among smokers, with a one-quarter to one-third reduction. This is due to barriers erected for smokers who want to quit.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a significant racial disparity in opioid prescriptions for black patients with vague pain-related conditions, suggesting discrimination and potential unintended consequences. Researchers used the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to examine five-year data from 2007-2011.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that provinces allowing pharmacists to administer influenza vaccines had slightly higher vaccine uptake rates compared to those without such policies. The study analyzed data from over 481,000 people aged 12 and above across seven years.
The study found significant growth in CTA exams per 1,000 Medicare enrollees, increasing from 2.1 in 2001 to 47.6 in 2013, with chest CTA utilization rising the most. CTA services grew most rapidly in ED settings, with the percentage of studies performed annually in EDs increasing from 11% in 2001 to 28% in 2014.
The new report explores how radiologists can succeed in the new payment landscape under MACRA. It provides a historical context for payment reform and describes the recent MACRA legislation, its impacts on payment, and organizations influencing its evolution.
Global health advocates call for aligning medical intelligence, national security, and global health priorities to prevent blurring of boundaries. A pathway for cooperation, highlighting health threats with national security implications before policy action, is proposed to mitigate adverse consequences.
Researchers found that Medicare Advantage patients are younger, healthier, and more likely to be black and live in cities than those enrolled in traditional Medicare. They also reported better health outcomes and fewer problems performing daily life activities on their own.
A study found that CMS policy suppression of substance abuse-related claims led to decreased rates of diagnoses for conditions commonly co-occurring with substance abuse, particularly anxiety and depression. This can lead to biased health services research studies and epidemiological analyses.
A study examines a lawsuit by Amarin Pharmaceutical that challenged the FDA's ban on promoting off-label uses of its product. The authors argue that such statements should be required to assert scientific facts beyond mere logical truth to regulate commercial speech about pharmaceuticals. They advocate for informative content based on ...
The fellowship program will provide LSU Health New Orleans M.D./M.P.H. students with working knowledge of health policy, enabling them to better understand the policy context in which healthcare is practiced. The program aims to bridge gaps between healthcare and public health disciplines.
A Johns Hopkins study found that changes in medical marijuana laws, particularly the increase of dispensaries in some states, led to a shift in the number of people using the drug. Medical marijuana users are more likely to be in their 50s and often use it for pain relief.
The study, which analyzed over one million students in 1,227 elementary and middle schools across the city, found that students at schools with water jets experienced a reduction in standardized body mass index (zBMI) and the likelihood of being overweight. Easy access to water led kids to substitute it for caloric beverages.
A new study from the University of East Anglia reveals that four out of five patients are happy with traditional GP opening times and that weekend appointments are wanted most by younger, working people. Meanwhile, only 2% would attend an appointment on a Sunday, suggesting that Saturday opening would meet most people's needs.
A new study from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation found that nearly all nonprofit hospitals have written charity care policies, but many fail to notify patients about their potential eligibility or charge them fairly. Hospitals in states without expanded Medicaid reported having less generous ch...
As Medicaid approaches middle age, it will increasingly exercise its buying power to shape healthcare trends, including care management and population health. Despite low rates and stigma, Medicaid is a critical player in the US healthcare system, with potential for growth over the next 50 years.
A group of former senior editors from The BMJ criticize NEJM's backtracking on conflict of interest policies, arguing that financial ties can compromise objectivity. They commend The BMJ's zero-tolerance policy on industry-funded articles and urge NEJM to retain rigorous standards.
Researchers found that state policies on organ donation and transplantation had virtually no effect on rates of organ donation and transplantation in the US. Only revenue policies, which allow individuals to contribute to protected state funds for donation promotion activities, were associated with a 5.3% increase in transplants.
A Penn study found that four different financial incentive programs helped more smokers quit than free access to behavioral counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. Deposit contracts were the most effective, with a success rate of 55% among participants who accepted them.
Criticism of Israeli government policy is not necessarily antisemitic, say leading doctors in The BMJ. They argue that medical journals should discuss political issues with bearing on health to remain silent would be 'obdurately' so.
A new study found that the majority of interventions under the deal are ineffective, poorly reported, or already underway. The deal aims to improve public health through voluntary pledges from industry and government.
The study found that 31 states have implemented prior authorization policies for atypical antipsychotic prescribing to children, mostly within the past 5 years. Most states apply these policies to children younger than 5, 6, or 7 years of age.
A study by researchers at Milken Institute School of Public Health found that physicians trained in high-spending areas tend to practice more expensive medicine, even after completing residency. This can lead to higher healthcare costs for patients and contribute to the rising healthcare expenditure in the US.
Loyola Medicine argues that medical schools must accept applicants from undocumented immigrants, known as Dreamers, due to the country's commitment to equality and social justice. The school's policy change in 2012 paved the way for eligible students to enroll in medical programs.
A new University of Michigan analysis shows that penalties for chronic lung disease will disproportionately affect hospitals caring for poor and minority patients. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic factors contributing to readmissions.
A cross-sectional study found that medical schools with stricter industry interaction policies had students report fewer gifts and interactions with marketing reps, suggesting these policies can reduce biases. The results suggest that limiting receipt of gifts should be a central feature of medical school regulations.
A recent study found that nearly 80% of low-income adults in three Southern states support Medicaid expansion, with two-thirds planning to apply for the program. The study also revealed that favorable views toward Medicaid were most common among racial and ethnic minorities, people with less education and lower income.
Researchers tracked spending and utilization in three states and one insurance group, finding that price increases drove growth, not use. The study provides a mechanism for promoting provider accountability on prices through transparency.
Researchers found that states with stronger alcohol policies have a lower likelihood of binge drinking, with higher taxes and reduced outlets accounting for half of the effect. This study highlights the importance of evidence-based policy decisions in reducing alcohol-related deaths and economic costs.
A multi-center study found significant improvements in medical students' perceptions of their health policy education between 2008 and 2012. The study revealed gains in three domains: systems and principles, value and equity, and quality and safety. However, the domain politics and law experienced a decline due to inadequate training.
Researchers found that tighter Medicaid policies governing antipsychotic drugs were associated with higher shares of inmates with psychotic symptoms and a 22% increase in the likelihood of imprisonment. The study suggests that limiting access to effective therapy may have unintended consequences, including more people in prisons.
The NIH is introducing new policies to ensure that sex and gender are considered fundamental variables in all preclinical biomedical research funded by the agency. This move aims to address the significant gap in current research practices, which often neglect women's health and biological differences.
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.
A pilot scheme allowing patients to visit GPs outside their area was most popular among younger commuters and those who had moved house but didn't want to change their GP. The scheme was generally well-received, with little increase in costs for primary care trusts.
A team of University of Leicester academics helped develop NICE guidelines to prevent diabetes in black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. The new guidance emphasizes the importance of body mass index as a signal for preventive action, aiming to reduce the incidence of diabetes by increasing physical activity and healthy diet.
A new international study reveals that people in high- and middle-income countries are more likely to drink heavily if they have access to cheap, off-premise alcohol. The study found that heavy drinkers tend to buy cheaper alcohol from off-premise outlets and purchase it at later times.
Current Medicaid policies create a two-tiered system of access for low-income women seeking tubal ligation. The 30-day mandatory waiting period is excessive and should be shortened or eliminated. Researchers suggest revisiting the policy to honor women's reproductive autonomy and create more equitable access.
The Choosing Wisely campaign has sparked discussion on low-value services, but more work is needed to include common and costly services. The campaign's lists have been criticized for only including low-impact services for physicians and patients to question.