- State of Minnesota to Conduct Study of Low-Value Health Care Services
- Addressing Health Care’s Administrative Cost Crisis
- How can we cut wasteful pre-surgery spending?
- Researchers Find Telemedicine May Reduce Unnecessary Health Tests
- Racial and Ethnic Differences in LVC Among Older Adults in a Large Statewide Health System
- Does LVC Explain Health Care Utilization Inequities Among Asian and Latino Populations?
- Understanding Healthcare Efficiency – An AI Supported Narrative Review
The Minnesota Legislature directed the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to develop recommendations for strategies to reduce the magnitude of low-value care delivered to Minnesota residents Accordingly, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released a request for proposals to conduct an analytic study on low-value health care services in Minnesota.
A JAMA article highlights the staggering burden of administrative expenses in the U.S. health system—estimated at over $300 billion annually. The authors argue that inefficiencies in billing, documentation, and compliance drive up costs without improving patient outcomes. They call for streamlined processes, better technology, and policy reforms to reduce waste and enhance care delivery. Addressing these inefficiencies could free up critical resources for patient care while making the system more affordable and effective.
A new study highlights how hospitals can reduce unnecessary preoperative testing while maintaining patient safety. Researchers focused on four common tests in low-risk patients undergoing outpatient procedures, reducing unnecessary testing rates from 37% to 14% and overall testing from 51% to 27%. The intervention, which involved clinician education and decision-support tools, ensured that patients who truly needed tests continued to receive them without impacting surgical outcomes. The success of this initiative has led to a statewide expansion, with 16 Michigan hospitals now working to implement similar improvements.
A recent study examined the relationship between telemedicine adoption and low-value care among Medicare beneficiaries. Researchers analyzed data from over 2.3 million patients across 286 U.S. health systems and found that high telemedicine adoption was associated with a modest reduction in the use of 7 out of 20 low-value tests, particularly point-of-care screenings. The study’s findings challenge concerns that telemedicine increases Medicare spending, instead suggesting it may improve care quality while reducing costs.
An AGS study examined racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of low-value care (LVC) among older adults within a large California health system. Researchers found that Asian, Black, and Latino older adults were less likely than their White counterparts to receive LVC, particularly in preventive screenings and preoperative services. However, these minority groups were more likely to be prescribed low-value medications. These findings underscore the complexity of healthcare disparities and highlight the need for targeted strategies to address specific forms of low-value care across diverse populations.
A recent study in Health Services Research investigated whether the lower overall health care utilization observed among Asian and Latino populations is due to reduced engagement in low-value care (LVC). Contrary to expectations, the findings revealed that these groups do not necessarily use LVC less than their White counterparts. This suggests that factors beyond LVC contribute to the observed disparities in health care utilization, highlighting the need for further research to identify and address the underlying causes of these inequities.
A BMC Medical article explores the multifaceted concept of healthcare efficiency by analyzing the diverse terminologies used across the field. The study employs artificial intelligence to conduct a comprehensive narrative review, revealing that inconsistent language and definitions hinder effective communication and progress in healthcare efficiency research. The authors advocate for standardized terminology to enhance clarity, facilitate collaboration, and drive advancements in healthcare efficiency.
