- Digital Care is Saving Patients from Costly, Unnecessary Surgeries
- Unnecessary Imaging Scans Contributing to Climate Change
- Rescinding Health-Related Social Needs Guidance Undermines Trump’s Own Economic Goals
- Breaking with the Status Quo in End-of Life Care Through De-Implementation
- Remote Monitoring Use Grows Amid Concerns Over Value and Cost Alignment
With lower back pain affecting 39% of U.S. adults, overuse of procedures like spinal fusions has become a significant concern—between 2019 and 2021, Medicare spent an estimated $2 billion on more than 200,000 potentially avoidable spine surgeries. Digital MSK solutions, including virtual physical therapy, education, and non-addictive pain management, engage patients early in their care journey, often reducing the need for surgical intervention. These approaches not only improve outcomes but also align with patient preferences for conservative, accessible, and cost-effective care.
A study found that low-value medical imaging among Medicare beneficiaries from 2017 to 2021 produced between 3.55 and 129.2 kilotons of CO₂-equivalent emissions annually. This is comparable to the yearly electricity use of towns ranging from 2,000 to 72,000 residents. MRI and CT scans were the primary contributors.
A recent Health Affairs Forefront article warns that rescinding Medicaid and CHIP support for health-related social needs, like housing and food, could undermine the Trump administration’s own economic goals. The move risks higher long-term healthcare costs and worsened health disparities by ignoring the impact of social determinants on health outcomes.
A Journal of Internal Medicine article calls for de-implementation of low-value, aggressive interventions in end-of-life care. The authors argue that reducing unnecessary treatments can improve quality of life and better align care with patient wishes. They highlight the need for systemic changes in clinician training, policy, and medical culture to support this shift.
A report from the Peterson Center on Healthcare provides new guidance for policymakers regarding coverage and payment for remote monitoring technologies. The report is a synthesis of three separate evaluations of digital health tools and an analysis of trends in Medicare and Medicaid billing. It includes recommendations on reimbursement, access, and data collection to ensure this rapidly growing area of healthcare better serves patients, while avoiding an increase in spending on ineffective and wasteful services.
