Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
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Health Policy and Professionalism Research, 58% of Americans support health care reform, despite some wanting the law repealed.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.
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.
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.
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.