Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
Ten exceptional health professionals have been selected as Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows for the 2009-2010 program. They will utilize their wide range of experience to provide health policy leadership on Capitol Hill, impacting health reform directly.
Janet Leigh, Chair of Oral Medicine and Radiology at LSUHSC New Orleans School of Dentistry, is a RWJF Health Policy Fellow. She will participate in the policy process at the federal level, accelerating her career as a leader in health policy.
AcademyHealth has recognized several notable researchers in the field of health services research, including Willard G. Manning Jr., Hongmai Pham, Rachel Werner, Amal Trivedi, and Andrew Ryan, who have made lasting contributions to policy and practice through their scholarship, teaching, and leadership.
A recent study found that older adults struggle to identify the most affordable Medicare Part D plan due to excessive choice options. The researchers recommend reducing plan numbers or standardizing benefits to make the system more user-friendly and cost-effective.
According to a new study, nearly 952,000 California adults seek medical, dental, or prescription services in Mexico each year. The primary reasons for this trend include cost and lack of insurance.
A Harvard Medical School study found that universal coverage can narrow health disparities among racial and economic groups. Among individuals age 65 and older with Medicare coverage, socio-demographic gaps in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels decreased substantially.
Researchers found that considering partner characteristics together is the strongest predictor for STDs. Adding simple questions about partner characteristics to STD screenings could help catch more patients who need testing and education.
A new study reveals that less than 2% of US hospitals have comprehensive electronic health records, while 8% use basic EHRs in at least one care unit. The barriers to adoption include high costs and interoperability issues.
Research suggests that pricing interventions, such as taxes on unhealthy foods and subsidies for healthy options, can lead to lower body weights and reduced obesity rates. These policies are most effective in reducing weight disparities among vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, and low-income individuals.
The report, written by U of Minnesota professor Gary Schwitzer, reveals that financial pressures and fierce competition are affecting the quality of health reporting. AHCJ members report difficulties in producing in-depth coverage due to bottom line pressure, with nearly nine in ten saying it's hurting news coverage.
A study published in Health Affairs explores four payment reform options to address the issue of value in healthcare. The authors suggest that episode payments may be a promising near-term opportunity for payment reform in Medicare, which could lead to improved quality and access.
The study highlights two countries that effectively cover all but one percent of their population through individual mandates and premium assistance. They also curb high administrative costs, spending about five percent on healthcare compared to seven percent in the US.
The University of Illinois Chicago's ImpacTeen project will study policy and environmental factors influencing youth behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, obesity, and tobacco use. Researchers will assess state policies, school wellness programs, and community environments to inform effective policy and decision-making.
The supplement addresses complex issues surrounding second trimester abortion, including methods, values, and public policy. In-depth country-based research is needed to bring out facts and support second trimester abortion as a legitimate form of women's health care.
Healthcare opinion leaders strongly support fundamental provider payment reform to encourage high-quality and efficient care. The survey also reveals a preference for bundled approaches and incentives for providers, with only 1% expressing satisfaction with the current fee-for-service system.
Community-based organizations are developing Local Access to Care Programs (LACPs) to provide low-cost healthcare access to growing numbers of uninsured adults. The programs build on county-based care traditions, offering discounted fees or free care from network providers.
The Lancet Editorial highlights China's health system reform as a starting point for broader dialogue on wellbeing. Key challenges include human rights, freedom of expression, Tibet, and Taiwan.
A proposed value-added tax for universal health insurance vouchers would create incentives for cost-containment and health care quality. The plan aims to overhaul the U.S. tax system to achieve fundamental reform of health care, with significant decreases in other taxes.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago found that uninsured patients receive inconsistent care across public, for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals. The research analyzed financial reports, surveys and staff practices, revealing significant differences in how institutions ration uncompensated care to self-pay patients.
Researchers found that sales rates to pseudo-underage buyers were 18% and to pseudo-intoxicated buyers were 74%. The study suggests sports stadiums serve alcohol to minors and intoxicated fans, highlighting the need for responsible service and law enforcement monitoring. Sales were more likely in stadium stands than concession booths.
The US healthcare system scored an average of 65 out of 100 across 37 key indicators, falling short on health outcomes and quality. The number of uninsured and underinsured adults rose to 42%, with potential savings of up to $100 billion annually if performance improved.
Gary Banks argues that a more cost-effective health system is necessary to address increasing demand and costs. The Productivity Commission Chairman suggests potential solutions include policy initiatives in various areas of healthcare.
A recent study found that regional health care markets play a crucial role in implementing the national patient safety initiative. Despite initial high response rates, hospitals' progress in meeting Leapfrog standards was minor due to budget and strategic planning challenges.
The four award winners – David Blumenthal, Ashish Jha, Ming Tai-Seale, and J. Michael McWilliams – have made groundbreaking research in areas such as health information technology, quality management, and access to healthcare services. AcademyHealth's awards promote the sharing of perspectives and strengthening of working relationships...
A new Commonwealth Fund report analyzes 15 federal policy options to achieve significant short- and long-term savings and greater value in the US health care system. Combining universal coverage with policies aimed at reducing spending could result in substantial savings, including $88 billion from promoting health information technolo...
The Commonwealth Fund Commission proposes a high-performance health system with guaranteed affordable coverage, aligned incentives, accountable coordinated care, and quality-focused investments. The report outlines specific strategies to contain costs and improve the U.S. health care delivery system.
A depression outreach-treatment program improved symptoms, job retention, and hours worked among employees compared to usual care. The program's financial benefits for employers include recovered hiring, training, and salary costs.
The article suggests several policy options to address immigrants' limited access to health care, including expanding health insurance programs and improving language barriers. Researchers emphasize the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities to ensure better health outcomes for this growing segment of the U.S. population.
Several health reform bills before Congress could lead to significant improvements in health care quality and efficiency. These bills focus on changing payment systems, which hold the greatest promise for health care savings and quality improvement. However, they do not address an overarching strategy or gaps in implementation.
A new survey of health care opinion leaders supports expanding SCHIP to cover legal immigrant children, families with higher incomes, and parents of covered children. The program should also incorporate high-quality health care standards and innovative mechanisms to encourage better care.
A recent report by Brandeis University reveals that health insurance fails to provide financial protection for millions of Americans, leading to widespread debt and access problems. The study highlights the need for clearer rules and standards of accountability for health insurers.
A UCSF policy expert proposes a hybrid single-payer plan to provide universal healthcare, covering catastrophic accidents and chronic illnesses. The plan aims to improve equity and efficiency by incorporating aspects of both single-payer models and PPOs.
A University of Michigan study suggests that economic methods undervalue childhood interventions, despite evidence showing higher value placed on health gains for children and adolescents. The research recommends adjusting economic formulae to better reflect societal values, prioritizing early childhood intervention.
According to a study in JAMA, approximately 50 million US residents younger than 65 spend more than 10% of their family income on healthcare, up from 37.8 million in 1996. The researchers estimated that 17.1 million insured persons were underinsured, with limited financial protection from high out-of-pocket costs.
Employers covering over 90% of the nation's workforce see health benefits as a crucial factor in attracting and retaining top talent. Many firms are open to sharing the cost of health insurance and supporting incremental reforms aimed at expanding coverage, improving quality, and reducing administrative expenses.
A Harvard study analyzing national opinion surveys found that health care is unlikely to determine the outcome of the November 7 congressional elections. However, certain health care issues such as health care costs and access to care for the uninsured are more salient in individual congressional races.
A study found that driver distraction leads to one in five crashes and affects young drivers significantly. The research also revealed common distracting activities while driving, including adjusting equipment and talking to passengers.
The Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends implementing major quality and safety improvements, expanding information technology, and increasing public reporting on quality and costs. The report aims to establish more organized systems of care to improve value and provide reliable comparison of results among providers.
A study by Dahlia Remler and Sherry Glied found that Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may not reduce healthcare spending for the lowest and biggest spenders. In fact, cost-sharing increases for mid-range spenders, while tax subsidies benefit higher-income individuals disproportionately.
A UCLA-evaluated study of a demonstration project shows how incorporating physical activity and healthy eating into an office culture can significantly increase vigorous physical activity among participants. The six-week wellness-training program boosts fruit and vegetable intake, while reducing feelings of sadness and depression.
The article assesses pension design and policy options, highlighting the importance of effective government and economic growth. Key findings include a problem in financing pensions but not a crisis, and mixed results from different countries' reform experiences.
A study found that prescription monitoring programs can reduce problematic use of benzodiazepines but also decrease access to appropriate treatment for patients with chronic illnesses. Racial disparities in access to effective care were exacerbated by these policies, highlighting the need for re-examining health policy impacts.
A Yale University study found that the true number of chronically disabled older Americans is significantly lower than previously estimated, with only 16.1-17.2% of participants meeting criteria for chronic disability
Despite new treatments and research, doctors may be slow to change their practices. Professor Huw Davies emphasizes the need for collaboration between researchers and healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute funds three South Australian projects to enhance healthcare communication and address chronic disease management. Researchers will investigate best practices in general practice, rural health care, and mild chronic lung disease management.
The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute has funded 12 projects to improve healthcare delivery, governance, and policy formulation. The projects aim to enhance the collaboration between hospitals, general practice, and community care organisations to provide better health outcomes for Australians.
The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of self-help and information technology in delivering better services for people with mental health problems. It is part of a larger funding round aimed at improving primary health care policy.
The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (APHCRI) has funded 12 projects across NSW, focusing on primary care models, integration of care, and chronic disease management. The research aims to improve health care outcomes for Australians through collaborative efforts between researchers and policy makers.
A new research project will look at the Australian healthcare system's performance and identify areas for improvement. The study aims to create a more accessible and sustainable primary healthcare system, especially for people with chronic illnesses.
A new study aims to develop models of care that address socio-economic and environmental issues threatening the health of Aboriginal children. The research will investigate successful models of care in rural and remote areas, with a goal of establishing an evidence-base for future use.
A global expert group recommends developing a Global Health and Nursing Equity Index to guide performance assessments and inform distribution of foreign aid. The group also advocates for strategic partnerships, international credentialing, and targeted investment in nursing education to stem the crisis.
The Massachusetts legislature is considering mandatory minimum nurse staffing ratios, with recent research highlighting the importance of nursing staff in improving patient outcomes. The proposed legislation aims to increase the supply of nurses and track patient outcomes, amidst a growing nursing shortage in the state.
The report highlights the growth of female pediatricians and positive trends in medical student recruitment, but notes a lack of ethnic and racial diversity among pediatricians. The new policy aims to address geographic disparities and recruit more diverse pediatricians to serve the increasing population of minority children.
A Dutch anthropologist's doctoral research on female health workers in Yemen reveals the challenges they face despite their contributions to the healthcare system. The translated thesis provides insight into the backgrounds and motivations of these women, as well as the different agendas and interests at play.
According to a study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) have significantly higher healthcare expenditures compared to their peers. The study found that CSHCN account for 42.1% of total medical care costs and 33.6% of total health care costs.
A recent study found that Blacks and Hispanics were less likely than whites to receive care in outpatient settings, highlighting disparities in healthcare access. The researchers identified various factors contributing to these disparities, including mistrust of the medical system and unequal access to health insurance and providers.
Lack of physical access, high subscription costs, and irrelevance of available information hinder developing countries' healthcare. A proposed international collaborative group seeks to create a 'pot of money' for initiatives promoting universal access to essential health-care information.
Afghanistan's Ministry of Health has made significant strides in healthcare delivery and policy planning, achieving 94% national coverage in measles vaccination. The country's example is seen as a potential blueprint for post-conflict reconstruction in other nations.
The study found significant disparities in self-reported versus diagnosed alcoholism rates among elderly individuals, with certain groups, such as those in poor health or aged 75+, being more likely to be under-diagnosed. The researchers identified key risk factors that can inform targeted screenings and interventions.
A study found that primary care physicians face challenges in providing high-quality mental health services due to the number of managed care contacts and referral process complexities. To improve access, managed care organizations should develop uniform procedures for obtaining mental health services.