Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
A new study found that patients with consumer-directed health plans have more control over healthcare costs, with two-thirds of the reduction in total healthcare costs coming from reduced utilization of medical services. This is due to lower use of name-brand medications, less in-patient care, and lower use of specialists.
A new study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine found that discussing end-of-life care with physicians does not affect survival rates. Patients who have advance directives in their medical records also have similar survival rates as those without these discussions and documents.
Data from the National Health Interview Survey shows a significant increase in mammogram screenings for immigrant women between 2000 and 2008. Despite this growth, mammography rates remain lower among foreign-born women compared to U.S.-born women.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that physician practices using electronic health records (EHRs) had significantly better healthcare and outcomes than those relying on paper records. The findings remained consistent across different insurance types, including Medicaid and uninsured patients.
The Lancet Obesity Series identifies effective policies to reduce obesity, including taxes on unhealthy food and restrictions on TV advertising. Governments are urged to prioritize prevention programs and monitoring to tackle this complex and intractable problem.
A Rutgers survey finds that one-third of NJ immigrant children and over 70% of foreign-born adults lack health coverage, facing significant access-to-care barriers. Immigrants often have lower family incomes than US-born families and report fewer chronic conditions despite higher stress levels.
The Distinguished Investigator Award recognizes Dr. Vince Mor for his significant contributions to health services research, while the Alice S. Hersh New Investigator Award is given to Dr. Scott Halpern for exceptional promise in early career. The Article-of-the-Year Award honors researchers Jeffrey Silber and Robert Kaestner for their...
Key findings from the Commonwealth Fund/Modern Healthcare Health Care Opinion Leaders Survey include widespread support for states to implement key health reform law provisions early with full federal support. The survey also highlights concerns about barriers to implementation, such as capacity of state agencies and budget pressures.
The quality of healthcare in both public and private sectors in low-income countries is poor, with many services scoring low on infrastructure, clinical competence, and practice. Improving the quality of care in both sectors can be a pro-poor intervention to improve health outcomes.
The American College of Physicians urges a national policy to ensure better access to healthcare for immigrants, who face numerous barriers, including lack of insurance and fear of deportation. The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns to prevent public health issues and promote equitable care.
A recent study found that thinking about choices can make people less sympathetic to others and less likely to support policies promoting greater equality. This effect was observed across different cultures, including the US and India, with Indian participants being less affected by choice-related thinking.
A study by Ohio State University found that passive news reporting can lead readers to doubt their ability to find the truth in politics. The researchers suggest that journalists should resolve factual disputes to avoid misleading audiences.
A study in Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the need for an e-health policy to guide the implementation of health information technologies. The policy should align with major strategic priorities, such as patient safety and chronic disease management, to promote electronic health record adoption and data exchange.
Experts argue that Canada's assisted death laws should be linked to equal access to palliative care, highlighting a need to address the country's inequitable healthcare system. The Canadian Medical Association Journal commentary emphasizes the importance of optimized palliative care before considering legalization.
A study published in CMAJ found that restricting angiotensin-receptor blockers could save Canada $77.1 million without negative effects on health. The policy would benefit from the cheaper and effective alternative, ACE inhibitors.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found significant disparities in common measures of hospital-wide mortality rates, highlighting the complexity and variability of diagnoses. The authors propose alternative methods to construct a more limited portfolio of mortality results for individual common conditions.
A study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that youth generally perceive community street outreach workers positively, regardless of personal experience. The majority of respondents reported successfully resolving conflicts and needing help with employment, education, and healthcare needs.
The Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center hosted a symposium on high-value health care, emphasizing the need for payment reform and collaborative approaches. Panelists stressed the importance of integrated care, ACOs, and electronic health records in achieving better health outcomes.
A recent study by Indiana University found that the state spends significantly more on health care-related consequences of substance abuse compared to its prevention initiatives. This means that for every dollar invested in treatment and intervention programs, only a small fraction is dedicated to preventing substance abuse.
A University of Michigan concept for value-based insurance design is featured in a thematic cluster of papers in the November issue of Health Affairs. The approach focuses on removing barriers to high-value services and aims to improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.
Researchers found that relationships are a crucial factor in spirituality, with 87% of patients considering spirituality important in their lives. The study recommends focusing on presence, journeying together, and engaging in reciprocal sharing to improve spiritual care.
A new study reveals that regional variation in health-care spending and utilization is two to three times more pronounced in Medicare than the private sector. Adopting private-sector utilization management models could help improve efficiency in the Medicare program.
A study by UCLA researchers found nearly 25% of California kids have never seen a dentist, with disparities existing across race and insurance type. Children with private insurance had higher chances of visiting the dentist, while those on Medicaid or CHIP saw less frequent care.
A large study found that men using erectile dysfunction drugs had significantly higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases than non-users, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to counsel patients on safer sex practices. The study suggests that ED drug use is associated with higher-risk behaviors and increased STD rates.
AcademyHealth recognized leading researchers in health services research and policy, including Dr. Lisa I. Iezzoni and Dr. Aaron S. Kesselheim, for their significant contributions to advancing policy and practice in healthcare.
A new UC Davis study found that low-wage workers are more likely to be obese due to limited access to healthier food and physical activity options. Raising minimum wages may help expand access to healthier lifestyle choices.
According to a new national survey by Indiana University's Center for Health Policy and Professionalism Research, 58% of Americans support health care reform, despite some wanting the law repealed. Younger individuals were most supportive of repeal, but many also want Congress to continue working on health care system reforms.
A study found that nearly one in ten primary care physicians experience conflicts with religious hospitals, with younger and less religious physicians more likely to face these issues. Most physicians feel they should refer patients to another institution if clinical judgment conflicts with hospital policy.
The article reviews Massachusetts healthcare reform, which has successfully implemented an individual mandate since 2006. The state's program greatly expanded coverage and access to health services while reducing the fear of insurers dropping coverage.
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) has endorsed pay-for-performance (P4P) programs in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. The organization aims to improve patient outcomes by linking reimbursement to quality of care.
A new federal center for Medicare and Medicaid innovation could spur significant delivery system change by implementing alternative payment structures through voluntary pilot projects. Such pilots would be particularly beneficial for health care organizations looking to reduce excess clinical spending.
The Dartmouth Atlas hospital ratings are being used by policy makers despite their limitations, which fail to account for differences in patient types and outcomes. This could lead hospitals to prioritize conforming to the rating system over improving care quality.
A new study analyzing performance reports from medical groups found that pay-for-performance (P4P) initiatives had limited impact on overall care quality. Despite incentivizing providers to focus on preventative medicine, researchers discovered a lack of positive spillovers to other areas of care.
A study by WashU Medicine found that making flu shots mandatory in 2008 increased vaccination rates among BJC HealthCare employees to over 98 percent. The program's success was attributed to consistent communication and support from hospital leadership.
A mandatory influenza vaccination policy improved the vaccination rate among 26,000 employees at a large health care system from 54% to 98%. The study found that medical and religious exemptions were granted to 411 employees, with eight terminated for non-compliance.
A roundtable discussion highlights palliative care's crucial role in evolving health-care reform policy, focusing on changing public perception and educating policymakers. The panel emphasizes the need for proactive education and awareness to demonstrate palliative medicine's value in improving patient outcomes.
A study by the Center for Studying Health System Change reveals a gap between policy makers' expectations of commercial EMRs to improve care coordination and clinicians' real-world experiences. Current EMRs facilitate care coordination within practices but struggle with exchanging information across physician practices and settings.
A recent study found that low-income families in states with more generous Medicaid and SCHIP benefits report less financial burden. However, the percentage of families with out-of-pocket expenses exceeding 3% or 5% of their income varies greatly from state to state.
Researchers propose new guidelines for improved prescription drug ads, emphasizing clearer warnings about risks and accurate information about potential benefits. The study highlights the need for regulation of direct-to-consumer advertising to reduce harm and promote informed health choices.
Leaders in healthcare and health policy support sweeping changes to Medicare, including expanding payment pilot programs and creating an independent advisory council. Experts also back negotiating pharmaceutical drug prices and filling the 'doughnut hole' coverage gap.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of contracting private providers and cash incentives to increase healthcare use in poor countries. Strong evidence shows positive health impacts from cash incentives, while contracting out services had relatively weak results.
A Harvard Medical School study found that individuals who were previously uninsured between ages 51 and 64 cost Medicare an additional $1,000 annually due to complications from cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Expanding coverage may reduce subsequent Medicare spending by $98 billion, offsetting the costs.
A partnership between MU and state organizations provides medical interpreters to LEP patients, improving communication and reducing costs. The program aims to increase access to quality care and reduce misdiagnoses.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has selected 16 researchers to receive funding for 10 new projects addressing key health policy issues. The projects aim to improve treatments for ADHD, assess Alzheimer's risk, and consumer understanding of food claims.
By February 2008, 45% of US hospitals had adopted smoke-free campus policies, with not-for-profit hospitals more likely to implement them. The majority of US hospitals are expected to adopt similar policies by the end of 2009, according to the study.
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.