Articles tagged with Health Care Policy
A USC study found that prescription fills for semaglutide increased by over 400% between 2021 and 2023, with most prescriptions going to privately insured patients. The study suggests that this may worsen disparities in diabetes and obesity outcomes among Medicaid and Medicare recipients.
A new study found no racial or ethnic disparities in prior authorization outcomes for Black and Hispanic patients, but Asian patients had higher rates of approvals compared to White patients. The study analyzed data from 18,041 cancer patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2020.
A national survey of clinicians providing abortion found elevated moral distress among all practitioners, with those in restrictive states facing twice the stress. The study emphasizes the need for structural changes and policy reform to combat widespread moral distress.
A new study suggests that public health interventions, such as reformulating food products and introducing low emission zones, could yield significant cost savings and QALY gains in England. The interventions studied could save up to £4bn by reducing dementia rates and helping people live longer and healthier.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new scoring model using prehospital resuscitation data to predict neurological outcomes of patients with OHCA. The R-EDByUS score achieved high precision, enabling healthcare providers to make quick and accurate decisions upon hospital arrival.
A randomized study found that individuals with cash benefits had significantly reduced emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The study suggests that policies addressing poverty through income support may have a positive impact on health and access to care.
Despite improved workplace conditions, nurses face significant challenges, including high planned departure rates and abusive events. The study emphasizes the need for initiatives to support nurse retention and reduce workforce instability.
A new study found that increased exposure to residential greenery during midlife can help stave off cognitive decline. Higher average exposure to greenness was linked to higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline, particularly among people living in low-socioeconomic status and highly populated neighborhoods.
Medical debt exacerbates the mental health treatment gap among US adults, particularly those with depression and anxiety. The study highlights the need for new policies to protect against this financial barrier and ensure access to mental health care.
A study published in BMJ Public Health found that children living in deprived areas have a three times higher risk of needing dental extractions under general anaesthesia. This highlights the need for targeted interventions and improved access to preventive dental services to address socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in oral health.
A review article by Uppsala University researchers highlights the global issue of malnutrition in the sick and elderly, affecting up to 50% of hospital patients in Sweden. Simple measures such as counselling, dietitian collaboration, and nutritional drinks can reverse malnutrition and improve quality of life.
The study aims to empower underrepresented populations in health research through a novel approach called engagement mapping, which identifies barriers to research partnerships and co-designs strategies to address them. The pilot study will test the feasibility of this approach with community advisory councils at two institutions.
A longitudinal cohort study found that telehealth availability has declined since the COVID-19 public health emergency ended, affecting mental health treatment facilities. The decline suggests a need for targeted policies to sustain telehealth access and ensure continued support for mental health care.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that older women over 65 who require complex heart surgery are more likely to be treated at low-quality hospitals, where they also die in greater numbers. The sex disparity in mortality doubled from high-quality to low-quality hospitals.
A cross-sectional study found that LGBTQ+ individuals' health insurance coverage and access to care improve with Medicare eligibility, especially among sexual minorities and states with high disparities. However, the association is not consistently greater than for heterosexual and cisgender individuals.
A Massachusetts statewide standing order policy led to a 32% increase in emergency contraceptive fills at pharmacies. The policy's impact was largely attributed to increased prescription-only ulipristal fill rates, which more than doubled after the policy was implemented.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.
A recent study found that nearly half of those who lost Medicaid coverage during the Medicaid unwinding process were left uninsured by late 2023. The researchers also discovered that individuals who had been disenrolled reported significantly worse access to healthcare, including more cost-related delays in care and less affordability.
A survey study found that 6 months into Medicaid unwinding, 1 in 8 beneficiaries reported exiting the program, with wide state variation. Many who lost coverage experienced gaps in care, and adults exiting Medicaid faced more difficulties accessing healthcare services than those remaining enrolled.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...
The West Virginia University athletic training researcher developed a new national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports. The recommendations aim to reduce catastrophic injuries by designating an emergency action plan coordinator who collaborates with other athletic staff.
The American College of Physicians reaffirms its policies on LGBTQ+ health, emphasizing the need for access to evidence-based gender-affirming care and research into improving care for transgender individuals. The updated policy paper also recommends protecting civil rights and implementing public policies that uphold the ability to ta...
Researchers investigate organ donation practices after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), finding delayed organ procurement intervals and lower lung graft survival rates in ECPR groups. The study suggests using ECPR may address the organ shortage crisis by increasing viable organs for transplantation.
Researchers studied cancer survivors under 25 who had cancer since 1958 and found they were three times more likely to develop cancer later in life. Socioeconomic factors also played a role in survival rates, with lower education levels and foreign backgrounds increasing risk.
A new study, led by University of Notre Dame researcher Santosh Kumar, evaluates the relationship between anemia and school attendance in India's adolescents. Contrary to previous research, the study found no significant link between anemia and attendance after accounting for household factors.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that personalized alcohol-reduction advice based on genetic information significantly reduced alcohol consumption among young excessive drinkers. The intervention group showed lower alcohol consumption and AUDIT-C scores compared to the control group, with continued reductions in scores over time.
A new study reveals that 96% of VA hospitals and 74% of non-federal hospitals mandate influenza vaccination or waivers for staff. This surge is largely attributed to the 2020 Veterans Health Administration directive. The increased mandates aim to reduce flu transmission among patients, as health systems strive to improve patient safety.
A recent survey of over 170 surgeons reveals that most are resistant to using video for pre-operative appointments, despite being open to converting some post-operative visits to telehealth. Urologists are more likely to adopt virtual care, with 88% already using it for at least some patients.
The IOF position paper emphasizes the need for population-specific vitamin D approaches, considering factors like diet, skin pigmentation, and supplement use. The authors also highlight the importance of standardized measures of 25(OH)D in future studies.
A new poll reveals that most older adults are unaware of available resources to help them navigate aging and caregiving. Only a small minority have used programs like Area Agencies on Aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and long-term services and supports. The findings highlight the need for more awareness about these se...
A new study found that India's Drug Price Control Order in 2013 led to a shift in pharmaceutical firms' marketing efforts, disproportionately affecting prescriptions issued by less formally educated physicians. Sales volumes of regulated drugs declined, while those for unregulated but related drugs increased.
A recent study published by CU researchers found that 26% of physician respondents reported large ethical or religious barriers to participating in medical aid in dying, but many were willing to discuss MAiD with patients. Despite these barriers, physicians were less likely to participate directly in MAiD.
Researchers create standard yardstick to measure value in accountable care organizations (ACOs), finding average improvement potential of 24%. The proposed approach can also be applied to individual hospitals and other health care providers, pinningpointing areas for improvement.
A study in Seattle found a small but significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among children living in areas with a sweetened beverage tax compared to nontaxed areas. The results support the effectiveness of such taxes as a policy for improving children's BMI, building on existing US studies.
After the Dobbs ruling, more people traveled from out of state for abortion care. In-state patients waited a week longer to receive care. These findings can inform access-improving interventions and policies.
A study by Washington State University found that treating minor illnesses at pharmacies can be effective and cost-saving, with patients recovering from almost all their ailments after a single visit. The research suggests expanding pharmacists' clinical services could improve healthcare access and reduce costs.
A study reveals a decline in reported Medicare Part B procedures performed by family physicians between 2014 and 2021. This trend is concerning as it may reduce access and increase costs for patients, particularly among the aging population.
A new study reveals that poor access to simple elective surgery in developing countries is storing up future health problems for patients. Inguinal hernia repair was used as a tracer condition, showing that untreated hernias can lead to delayed recovery and higher healthcare costs due to the need for more complex emergency surgery.
Between 2011 and 2021, more than 320,000 US children lost a parent due to drug overdose. The study highlights significant racial and ethnic disparities in the impact of parental loss on families and children.
The Academic Payvider model enhances value-based care by fostering improved coordination, reduced insurance hassles, and increased staff attention. This joint approach between payers and providers aims to drive complex care down through innovative reimbursement structures.
Immediate electronic release of patient results can lead to misinterpretation and negative outcomes, as seen in CU doctor Benjamin Vipler's experience with his mom. The 21st Century Cures Act aims to empower patients with their health information but requires further study on its impact.
A study found that US state abortion bans primarily impact American Indian and Black female populations of reproductive age. These policies concentrate in regions with higher proportions of these groups, leading to unequal access to reproductive healthcare.
A new set of clinical practice standards and recommendations offers tailored and effective care for individuals with advanced and metastatic cancer. The initiative, backed by MASCC and ASCO, provides a critical resource to healthcare stakeholders.
A new survey of 23,000 respondents from 23 countries reports mixed signals on the current acceptance of vaccines generally, especially COVID-19 boosters. The study found that global uptake of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose rose to 87.8%, but intent to get a booster was lower compared to previous years.
A recent study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that bisexual women died 37% sooner and lesbian women 20% sooner than heterosexual women. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 female nurses and highlighted the need for targeted interventions to reduce disparities among sexual minority groups.
A new study found that the elimination of a federal waiver requirement increased the number of clinicians prescribing buprenorphine, but didn't lead to a sharp rise in patient treatment. By December 2023, over 53,600 clinicians had prescribed buprenorphine, but numbers remained stable compared to 2022.
Significantly reducing trans fat levels in the Nigerian food supply can prevent approximately 67,000 cases of heart disease within ten years. The policy also generates net savings, with total healthcare savings estimated at around $520 million over a population's lifetime.
Researchers observed a significant increase in permanent contraception procedures for young adults following the Dobbs decision, with females being disproportionately affected. The study highlights the gendered dynamics of permanent contraceptive use and its implications for women and people with reproductive capacity.
Researchers found that cardiologists who received payments from LVAD manufacturers were more likely to use those devices during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures. The study highlights the need to reevaluate industry gifts and their potential impact on clinical decision-making.
A new national poll finds that 60% of people aged 50-80 have visited urgent care clinics or retail clinics for medical care in the past two years. Many sought immediate attention, vaccinations, or tests, and 75% plan to use these sites again in the next two years.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that about 1% of older adults using traditional Medicare have used asynchronous patient portal messaging to prompt a bill from their doctor or other healthcare provider. Most e-visits were with primary care providers, mainly for managing high blood pressure and diabetes.
A simple blood test every five years is sufficient to screen low-risk men for prostate cancer, according to new research. Researchers found that only 0.13% of men with low PSA levels developed cancer after a decade.
A new study found that understanding racial inequities in healthcare access can have a negative impact on both Black and white populations' views of their own health. Accurate awareness is crucial, but also poses an additional burden on Black individuals, causing unnecessary stress.
A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.
A new study found that biosimilar competition does not consistently lower out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured patients, emphasizing the importance of targeted policy actions. The findings suggest a need to improve affordability for patients in need of biologics.
A new nationwide study found that workplace policies prioritizing job flexibility and security can lead to healthier work environments, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. Employed adults with greater job flexibility and higher job security were less likely to experience serious psychological distress or anxiety.
State policies on insulin copayment caps showed no increase in insulin use but reduced OOP costs, particularly for high-deductible health plans with HSAs. Insulin users benefited from cost savings, but higher-income users experienced larger decreases in OOP costs.
Patients from socially vulnerable areas show increased treatment adherence when treated at 340B-participating hospitals compared to non-participating hospitals. The study found no difference in use between 340B and non-340B hospitals but noted improved adherence among patients from disadvantaged areas.
A study of older adults in Medicare Advantage plans found that both members of a couple tend to stick with each other's enrollment decisions. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 couples and found that about 80% of Partner A individuals stayed in the same plan, and among those who changed, most partners did as well.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that nearly one-quarter of US counties had high heat-related emergency activation rates, with the South, Midwest, and Southwest being most affected. Vulnerable communities already at risk for cardiovascular disease were found to be particularly hard hit.