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Medical economics news

Dentistry

Are dental practices out of control in the United States?

A series of recently published opinions and letters in JAMA Internal Medicine present varying perspectives on the current state of US dental care all emphasize the need for evidence-based practices and changes in economic ...

Health

Ultra-processed foods: Why public health warnings could backfire

Premature warnings to consumers to avoid eating all ultra-processed food products have likely social costs and may harm the health of people facing food poverty—at least in the short term.

Medical economics

Even political rivals agree that medical debt is an urgent issue

While hot-button health care issues such as abortion and the Affordable Care Act roil the presidential race, Democrats and Republicans in statehouses around the country have been quietly working together to tackle the nation's ...

Obstetrics & gynaecology

Study highlights need for streamlined miscarriage care in Canada

Miscarriage, or early pregnancy loss, can have devastating emotional effects, but it is poorly managed in Canada. A review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal provides guidance to physicians on how to diagnose ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

Understaffed hospitals have higher rates of infection, study says

Inadequate infection prevention and control staffing levels are associated with higher rates of health care-associated infections, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control.

Health

ACA tied to narrowing of disparities in access to care

(HealthDay)—The Affordable Care Act has reduced disparities in access to health care among black, Hispanic, and white adults, according to a January data brief released by the Commonwealth Fund.

Health

Single payer systems likely to save money in US, analysis finds

A single payer healthcare system would save money over time, likely even during the first year of operation, according to nearly two dozen analyses of national and statewide single payer proposals made over the past 30 years.

Addiction

Alcohol tax reform needed

La Trobe University researchers have found introducing a minimum unit price (MUP) of $1.30 per standard drink across Australia could dramatically reduce alcohol consumption.

Medications

Evolution of approval, regulation processes for drugs explored

(HealthDay)—The U.S. approval and regulation processes for pharmaceutical agents have evolved during the last four decades, according to a study published in the Jan. 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Health

Care management for complex needs may not cut readmissions

(HealthDay)—Among patients with very high use of health care services, readmission rates were not lower for those assigned to a care-transition program compared with usual care, according to a study published in the Jan. ...

Oncology & Cancer

A quicker answer on cancer, with waits cut from 84 days to 6

A rapid diagnosis centre has cut waiting times for patients with non-specific symptoms who may have cancer from 84 days to 6, and costs less than current usual care if used at more than 80% of capacity, a new study by Swansea ...

Health

High-priced specialty drugs: Exposing the flaws in the system

My husband, Andy, has Parkinson's disease. A year ago, his neurologist recommended a new pill that he was to take at bedtime. We quickly learned that the medication would cost US$1,300 for a one-month supply of 30 pills. ...

Medical economics

Recruitment satisfactory for foreign-educated health providers

(HealthDay)—Foreign-educated health professionals (FEHPs) in the United States are overall satisfied with their recruitment experience, according to a study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Nursing.

Health

In health care, does 'hotspotting' make patients better?

The new health care practice of "hotspotting"—in which providers identify very high-cost patients and attempt to reduce their medical spending while improving care—has virtually no impact on patient outcomes, according ...

Medical economics

California could be 1st state to sell own prescription drugs

California could become the first state with its own prescription drug label under a proposal that Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled Thursday in a bid to lower prices by increasing competition in the generic market.

Health

Medicaid expansion improves access to postpartum care

Study comparing Utah and Colorado finds Medicaid expansion helped prevent new mothers from losing coverage to the "postpartum coverage cliff," with implications for reducing maternal mortality.