- Prioritizing Services and Procedures for Value Assessment
- Multivitamin Use and Mortality Risk in 3 Prospective U.S. Cohorts
- Overdiagnosis is Increasing the Carbon Footprint of Healthcare
- Insurers Pocketed $50 Billion from Medicare for Diseases No Doctor Treated
- EHR Nudge May Reduce Unnecessary Breast Cancer Biopsies
- Effectiveness of De-Implementation of LVC: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
- Use and Cost of Low-Value Services Among Veterans Dually Enrolled in VA and Medicare
There is a predominant focus on pharmaceuticals in healthcare value assessments, despite services and procedures accounting for 70% of U.S. health spending, according to a Health Affairs Forefront article this month. This oversight limits opportunities to enhance systemwide efficiency and affordability, particularly in addressing wasteful spending on low-value services and procedures, estimated at nearly $1 trillion annually.
Multivitamin Use and Mortality Risk in 3 Prospective U.S. Cohorts
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open explores the relationship between multivitamin use and mortality risk across three prospective U.S. cohorts. The research found no significant association between regular multivitamin consumption and a decrease in mortality risk. These findings suggest that while multivitamins are widely used for their perceived health benefits, they may not contribute to increased longevity. This study highlights the importance of focusing on a balanced diet and lifestyle for optimal health outcomes.
Overdiagnosis is Increasing the Carbon Footprint of Healthcare
A recent article in BMJ reveals the environmental impact of overdiagnosis in healthcare, highlighting how unnecessary medical tests and treatments contribute to an increased carbon footprint. The study emphasizes the urgent need to address overdiagnosis to not only improve patient care but also reduce the environmental burden of the healthcare sector. By promoting more accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments, the healthcare industry can significantly lower its carbon emissions.
Insurers Pocketed $50 Billion From Medicare for Diseases No Doctor Treated
An investigation by the Wall Street Journal uncovered that insurers have pocketed $50 billion from Medicare for medical conditions that were never treated by doctors. The article exposes how some insurers exploit the system by exaggerating patients’ health conditions to receive higher payments from Medicare. This practice not only raises ethical concerns, but also points to significant inefficiencies and potential fraud in the healthcare system. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring the integrity and financial sustainability of Medicare.
EHR Nudge May Reduce Unnecessary Breast Cancer Biopsies
A study in JAMA Surgery found that the rate of unnecessary, lower-value sentinel lymph node biopsies (SNLB) decreased among older women with early stage, node-negative breast cancer if their surgeon received a “nudge” through the EHR before counseling them on surgical management of their disease. The nudge includes adding an EHR column to flag eligible patients and a reminder to consider not using a SLNB after reviewing core biopsy pathology and ultrasound results.
Effectiveness of De-Implementation of LVC: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
This Implementation Science article provides an insightful overview of systematic reviews on the effectiveness of de-implementation strategies for low-value healthcare practices. The findings reveal that while de-implementation can reduce the use of unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions, its success largely depends on the specific strategies employed and the context in which they are implemented. The study underscores the need for targeted approaches and robust evidence to effectively eliminate low-value practices, ultimately improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs.
Use and Cost of Low-Value Services Among Veterans Dually Enrolled in VA and Medicare
A recent study reveals that veterans often receive redundant or unnecessary healthcare services, leading to increased costs and potential harm. The findings highlight the importance of coordinating care between VA and Medicare to reduce the use of low-value services and improve overall healthcare efficiency for veterans. This study calls for more integrated care approaches to enhance the value of services provided to this population.
