Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
A new study estimates surprise bills for deliveries and newborn hospitalizations are frequent, affecting thousands of families annually. Researchers found that out-of-network claims from clinicians and ancillary service providers are a leading cause of surprise bills.
A recent study analyzed hospitalization and death rates related to COVID-19 before and after US states reopened their economies in 2020. The findings showed a significant increase in hospitalizations and deaths following state reopenings, indicating a need for continued public health measures.
A research team found that political institutions, such as election timing and presidentialism, had a greater impact on COVID-19 strategies than national healthcare institutions. The study suggests that this variation across federations warrants an institutional explanation.
Researchers found associations between Medicare Advantage star ratings and disparities in care for racial/ethnic minorities and lower-income enrollees. The study suggests that star ratings may not accurately reflect the quality of care provided to these populations.
A survey study in California found that public awareness of extreme risk protection orders is low, and many people are unwilling to use them to prevent firearm-related harm. The study suggests that targeted education and awareness campaigns can improve public understanding and encourage the use of these orders.
Researchers estimated the extent of Medicare Part B medical services subject to private insurer prior authorization under coverage policies. The study found that these restrictions would have resulted in significant spending savings, affecting healthcare delivery and policy.
A new article analyzes seven books that discuss health inequalities in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting regional disparities in healthcare access. The author calls for a universal approach to health care based on equity and inclusion to address these inequalities.
Under Oregon's reproductive health equity act, coverage for family planning services, including abortion and contraception, was ensured for all low-income state residents regardless of citizenship status. The first two years of covered services showed reduced travel distances for women seeking care.
Frontline healthcare workers may face temporary redeployment if they refuse COVID-19 vaccination, according to ethicists. A mild form of mandatory vaccination policy is justified to protect patients and colleagues.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients enrolled in home monitoring programs had significantly lower healthcare use compared to those not enrolled. This suggests that home monitoring can help reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
The JAMA Health Forum has transitioned from an online health policy channel to a peer-reviewed, open-access online journal. The journal is focused on health policy, health care systems, and global and public health, with an editorial team led by John Z. Ayanian and Melinda B. Buntin.
A state-by-state analysis of mask-wearing policies and COVID-19 rates reveals a strong association between high adherence to mask wearing and reduced spread of the virus. States with high mask-wearing rates had significantly lower COVID-19 rates, highlighting the importance of this public health measure in mitigating the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to sharp declines in outpatient and emergency department visits for patients with chronic conditions, with more pronounced reductions depending on age, gender, and region. Recent surveys have found that some patients continue to postpone their care due to various factors.
A recent analysis by University of Ottawa faculty members finds legal justification for mandating SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for health care workers in public and private settings. The study highlights the importance of exemptions for individuals with underlying health issues or other reasons to ensure the protection of government mandates...
A new study from the University of Illinois found that hiring foreign-educated registered nurses does not displace U.S.-educated nurses and may even boost wages for highly educated natives. The research analyzed data from 1980-2015 and covered every commuting zone in the US, including rural areas.
A study of 173 countries found that increased testing intensity reduced COVID-19 transmission by 9%. Testing had the greatest influence among interventions, with a tenfold increase in tests to new cases reported reducing transmission. This explains why some countries, like China and Australia, achieved near elimination of COVID-19.
A Rutgers University study examines how high-income countries regulate health care costs using a fee-for-service model, finding that structuring negotiations and setting standardized prices can lower US healthcare spending. The study highlights the need for policymakers to address healthcare prices, not just volume of services.
A RAND Corporation study highlights the need for policies and approaches to overcome barriers in integrating family caregivers into healthcare teams. The report suggests investing in programs that provide supportive services for family caregivers and expanding access to care coordinators to facilitate effective communication and inform...
A study by NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell estimates the macroeconomic consequences of firearm-related fatalities in OECD countries, finding cumulative losses of $239.0 billion from 2018 to 2030. The US experiences the highest relative losses, with a total of $152.5 billion attributed to firearm fatalities.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that individuals with disabilities overwhelmingly believe access to healthcare is a vital human right. However, they also reported feeling marginalized and stigmatized, with many facing barriers to employment and healthcare due to restrictive policies.
Primary care doctors are taking safety measures to protect patients, including appointment-only offices, clear protocols posted online or over the phone, and staggered in-person visits. Patients can also take precautions such as calling labs before scheduling appointments and wearing masks during visits.
A Cochrane Review found that hospital-based specialist palliative care may offer small benefits for patient-centred outcomes like quality of life, symptom burden, depression, and satisfaction with care. The review also showed an increased likelihood of patients dying in their preferred place by 22%, measured by home death.
Research at Case Western Reserve University reveals a strong association between high-quality physician-patient relationships and improved patient-reported health status. Adults with multiple diagnosed conditions often experience lower quality relationships, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A 2018 survey found that 28% of organizations stopped or reduced at least one service in response to the policy, including reproductive health services. The current policy may negatively affect PEPFAR beneficiaries, particularly youth and pregnant women.
A machine learning algorithm accurately identifies medical specialties and primary care physicians with 95% accuracy, providing real-time data on the US healthcare workforce. The model correctly predicted 70% of physician practice types within five percentage points, including specialties such as emergency medicine and cardiology.
A Columbia professor is using data science to design interventions and recommend policies that help the most vulnerable populations overcome inequalities in access and outcomes. His project, Nudging New York, aims to eliminate inequality and increase healthcare access in underserved communities.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) publishes a new policy paper condemning racism and violence against Black individuals, citing adverse individual and community health consequences. ACP offers specific solutions to increase transparency, accountability, and safer law enforcement practices.
A group of American College of Physicians (ACP) leaders suggest using the organization's 'New Vision' policy paper to guide U.S. health care reform during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper aims to improve access to care, reduce per capita health care costs, and simplify the healthcare system.
Type 2 diabetes affects American Indians and Alaska Natives at three times the rate of white Americans, linked to higher cardiovascular disease rates. Obesity is prevalent, with 30-40% of American Indians having obesity, which increases risk factors for heart disease.
Laws punishing pregnant drug abusers are ineffective in reducing substance use during pregnancy, instead decreasing treatment admissions by 29% and referrals to healthcare professionals by 18%. The study found no significant reduction in babies born with withdrawal symptoms or exposed to narcotics.
A Columbia University expert argues for a more effective inter-governmental partnership in implementing the ACA, with states having significant policy and administrative discretion while adhering to strong national standards. This approach can achieve universal coverage without eliminating the private insurance system.
Nearly half of middle-aged adults in their 50s and early 60s lack confidence they can afford health insurance in the next year. Two-thirds worry about potential changes to health insurance policies affecting them. Many avoid seeking care due to cost concerns, with those in fair or poor health being four times more likely.
The American College of Physicians releases a series of policy papers recommending systemic reforms to achieve better healthcare for all. The recommendations address coverage and cost of care, healthcare payment and delivery systems, barriers to care, and social determinants of health.
A new study suggests that increasing quality transparency in healthcare can improve social welfare in the short-term, but may have negative effects in the long-term. Policymakers should target specific patient populations, such as younger or urban patients, and incentivize hospitals to make socially optimal investments.
Research by Saint Louis University finds that rural patients with chronic conditions have higher death rates, more hospitalizations, and limited access to specialist physicians. The study suggests strategies to improve specialist care in rural areas, including telemedicine and loan forgiveness for physicians.
Polyamorous families experience marginalization in healthcare, with participants suggesting providers acknowledge partners' presence and roles, be open and nonjudgmental, and adapt administrative forms. The study's findings align with recent reports on stigma faced by individuals engaging in consensual nonmonogamy.
The University of Maryland Prevention Research Center is receiving funding from the CDC to focus on LGBTQ+ mental health and healthcare. The center aims to increase the availability of affirming and supportive mental health care for the community, addressing stigma, discrimination, and violence.
A new Rutgers study found that unmet family expectations in care, respect, and greet domains increase mortality risks among older Chinese American adults. Researchers assessed the discrepancy between expected and received filial piety across six domains.
A new research study suggests that redesigning the contract for the Medicare Shared Savings Program could lead to significant cost savings. The proposed changes aim to align provider incentives with performance-based subsidies, increasing reimbursement payments and improving healthcare outcomes.
The Lancet series, co-authored by NYU's Benzian, advocates for a radical shift in oral healthcare, prioritizing prevention over high-tech treatments. The authors propose policy changes to reduce sugar consumption and stronger regulations on advertising, aiming to improve global oral health and reduce inequalities.
The Astana Declaration emphasizes the importance of primary health care, highlighting the need for better integration of family physicians to improve health outcomes. By translating data to specific communities, primary care professionals can address social determinants of health and advocate for comprehensive primary care.
The American College of Physicians recommends strengthening the Affordable Care Act to address gaps in coverage and ensure universal access. ACP calls for bolstering the insurance market, expanding Medicaid, and increasing competition to provide quality care for all Americans.
A study of 10 European health systems found that multimorbidity among older adults increased from 38.2% to 41.5% between 2006 and 2015. Germany saw the largest increase, while Denmark and Italy experienced declines in multimorbidity.
Research by the Universities of Newcastle, Leeds, York, and Liverpool found that New Labour's policies narrowed the gap in infant mortality rates between English local authorities between 1999-2010. However, the trend was reversed since 2011 due to austerity measures.
Caregiving in Canada is becoming increasingly demanding and stressful, with many untrained individuals providing medical and nursing care. The need for caregiving will increase as the ageing population grows, posing a risk to caregivers' mental and physical health.
The Health Equity Network of the Americas (HENA) aims to address persistent health inequities in the region by fostering intersectoral partnerships. HENA's approach focuses on increasing knowledge of effective practices, promoting adoption of policies and programs, and ensuring successful implementation.
A recent study found that over 30% of healthcare reviews fail to fully report potential side effects of medical interventions, highlighting the need for more accurate reporting and proactive approaches to prompt reviewers to include these critical details.
A study analyzing hospital survey data from nine Latin American countries found that telemedicine use varies greatly among hospitals. Selected health organization characteristics, national policy, and culture are driving forces behind telemedicine expansion.
A new national poll suggests that many people in their 50s and early 60s harbor serious worries about their health insurance status, now and in the future. The poll found that 45% of those age 50-64 concerned they won't be able to afford insurance in retirement.
The Lancet report debunks myths about migration and health, highlighting the economic benefits of migration and the need to integrate migrant populations into healthcare systems. The Commission on Migration and Health calls for improved public health responses and counteracting racism.
Retailers have unique advantages in accessing consumer data, while current policies struggle to guide the industry on telehealth and AI capabilities. Experts warn of potential convergence of personal and non-personal health information.
A survey of 800 adults undergoing bariatric surgery found that patients prioritize expected out-of-pocket costs and weight loss potential. This approach may differ from the procedure's related risks or recovery time. The study suggests healthcare providers should discuss cost with patients to ensure informed decision-making.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that healthcare professionals in accountable care organizations have a positive sentiment towards patient engagement and activation, but struggle with understanding and implementing these approaches. The researchers highlight the need for improved training and support to overcome barriers and ach...
A study found that individuals recently released from prison were less likely to receive a doctor's appointment compared to control group members. The likelihood of obtaining an appointment was significantly lower for those with a recent prison history, despite a universal healthcare system.
Experts are advocating for a new approach to caring for patients with multiple long-term conditions. The report recommends patient-centered care, better integration between general practice and hospitals, and more emphasis on self-care to manage health conditions effectively.
A replication of the 1997 Woodhull Study on Nursing and the Media found nurses continue to be underrepresented as sources in health news stories. The study also revealed biases among newsrooms and journalists that hinder the use of nurses as sources, despite their unique perspectives.
A study analyzed TV ads for ACA health insurance plans, finding a shift towards targeting younger, healthier individuals and emphasizing financial assistance, as well as a decline in mentions of 'ObamaCare' or 'Affordable Care Act'. The researchers suggest this trend may be related to low public understanding of the law.
A first-of-kind study by The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice assesses clinician and patient attitudes towards recording clinical visits. The study found that 28% of clinicians reported recording a visit, with oncologists and physical rehabilitation specialists more likely to have done so.
A recent UTHealth-led survey revealed that only 19.3% of healthcare organizations in the US and Australia have fully implemented voluntary guidelines for safe e-health record management. The study found significant variation in adherence rates across different domains, suggesting factors such as budget constraints, personnel skill mix,...
A USC study found that when clinicians are given information about a patient's fatal overdose, they prescribe fewer powerful painkillers. Clinicians who received a letter from the county medical examiner were 9.7% less likely to prescribe opioids in the following three months.