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Shah ED, Chan WW, Jodorkovsky D, Lee Lynch K, Patel A, Patel D, Yadlapati R. Optimizing the Management Algorithm for Heartburn in General Gastroenterology: Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Minimization Analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:S1542-3565(23)00676-6. [PMID: 37683879 PMCID: PMC10918040 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Heartburn is the most common symptom seen in gastroenterology practice. We aimed to optimize cost-effective evaluation and management of heartburn. METHODS We developed a decision analytic model from insurer and patient perspectives comparing 4 strategies for patients failing empiric proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): (1) PPI optimization without testing, (2) endoscopy with PPI optimization for all patients, (3) endoscopy with PPI discontinuation when erosive findings are absent, and (4) endoscopy/ambulatory reflux monitoring with PPI discontinuation as appropriate for phenotypic management. Health outcomes were respectively defined on systematic reviews of clinical trials. Cost outcomes were defined on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services databases and commercial multipliers for direct healthcare costs, and national observational studies evaluating healthcare utilization. The time horizon was 1 year. All testing was performed off PPI. RESULTS PPI optimization without testing cost $3784/y to insurers and $3128 to patients due to lower work productivity and suboptimal symptom relief. Endoscopy with PPI optimization lowered insurer costs by $1020/y and added 11 healthy days/y by identifying erosive reflux disease. Endoscopy with PPI discontinuation added 11 additional healthy days/y by identifying patients without erosive reflux disease that did not need PPI. By optimizing phenotype-guided treatment, endoscopy/ambulatory reflux monitoring with a trial of PPI discontinuation was the most effective of all strategies (gaining 22 healthy days/y) and saved $2183 to insurers and $2396 to patients. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with heartburn, endoscopy with ambulatory reflux monitoring (off PPI) optimizes cost-effective management by matching treatment to phenotype. When erosive findings are absent, trialing PPI discontinuation is more cost-effective than optimizing PPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Walter W Chan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniela Jodorkovsky
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Kristle Lee Lynch
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amit Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Dhyanesh Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Rena Yadlapati
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
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Kobayashi Y, Masuda K, Hiraswa A, Takehara K, Tsuda H, Watanabe Y, Oda K, Nagase S, Mandai M, Okamoto A, Yaegashi N, Mikami M, Enomoto T, Aoki D, Katabuchi H. Current Status of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Practice Among Gynecologic Oncologists in Japan: A Nationwide Survey by the Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology (JSGO). J Gynecol Oncol 2022; 33:e61. [PMID: 35882604 PMCID: PMC9428299 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2022.33.e61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The practices pertaining to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) in Japan have been rapidly changing owing to the clinical development of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, the increasing availability of companion diagnostics, and the broadened insurance coverage of HBOC management from April 2020. A questionnaire of gynecologic oncologists was conducted to understand the current status and to promote the widespread standardization of future HBOC management. Methods A Google Form questionnaire was administered to the members of the Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology. The survey consisted of 25 questions in 4 categories: respondent demographics, HBOC management experience, insurance coverage of HBOC management, and educational opportunities related to HBOC. Results A total of 666 valid responses were received. Regarding the prevalence of HBOC practice, the majority of physicians responded in the negative and required human resources, information sharing and educational opportunities, and expanded insurance coverage to adopt and improve HBOC practice. Most physicians were not satisfied with the educational opportunities provided so far, and further expansion was desired. They remarked on the psychological burdens of many HBOC managements. Physicians reported these burdens could be alleviated by securing sufficient time to engage in HBOC management, creating easy-to-understand explanatory material for patients, collaboration with specialists in genetic medicine, and educational opportunities. Conclusion Gynecologic oncologists in Japan are struggling to deal with psychological burdens in HBOC practice. To promote the clinical practice of HBOC management, there is an urgent need to strengthen human resources and improve educational opportunities, and expand insurance coverage for HBOC management. Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology conducted a survey on the current status of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) practice. About half of the 666 respondents did not feel that HBOC practice had become common, and the majority answered HBOC practice in Japan was not widespread. There is a need to strengthen human resources and educational content, and to reexamine the items covered by insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Masuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Hiraswa
- Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takehara
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Tsuda
- Department of pathology, National Defense Medical College Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yoh Watanabe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Katsutoshi Oda
- Division of Integrative Genomics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Nagase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Masaki Mandai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Aikou Okamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mikio Mikami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokai University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takayuki Enomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Daisuke Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and correlates of children's underinsurance pre- and post-implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 5043 parents of children greater than 6 months old who had health insurance in the previous 12 months. Respondents completed the Medical Expenses for Children Survey. Pre-ACA data were collected in summer/fall of 2009 to 2011 (n = 3966); post-ACA data were collected in summer/fall 2016 (n = 1077). All data were collected within the Southwestern Ohio Ambulatory Research Network (SOAR-Net). RESULTS Some study parents (16.3%) were unable to follow at least 1 recommendation of their child's pediatrician due to their inability to pay for it, and 17.3% reported it had become more difficult to obtain "needed health care" in the past 3 years. Factors associated with underinsurance after adjusting for demographic factors did NOT include pre/post-ACA, but did include annual household income < $50,000 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.71; 95% CI, 2.15-3.40). Poor child health was also a significant risk factor for underinsurance(AOR = 3.71; 95% CI, 2.61-5.29). CONCLUSIONS About 1 in 6 study children were underinsured. The ACA did not affect the underinsurance rate. Parents continued to report that it had become more difficult to obtain needed health care over the past 3 years post-ACA. About one third of study parents consistently reported that the health of their underinsured child had suffered because they could not afford to pay for their child's health care.
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Hero JO, Sinaiko AD, Kingsdale J, Gruver RS, Galbraith AA. Decision-Making Experiences Of Consumers Choosing Individual-Market Health Insurance Plans. Health Aff (Millwood) 2020; 38:464-472. [PMID: 30830810 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2018.05036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The health insurance Marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act include features designed to simplify the process of choosing a health plan in the individual, or nongroup, insurance market. While most individual health insurance enrollees purchase plans through the federal and state-based Marketplaces, millions also purchase plans directly from an insurance carrier (off Marketplace). This study was a descriptive comparison of the decision-making processes and shopping experiences of consumers in two states who purchased a health insurance plan from the same large insurer in 2017, either through the federal Marketplaces or off Marketplace. In a survey, those who selected plans through the Marketplaces reported less difficulty finding the best or most affordable plan than did those enrolling off Marketplace. Respondents in families with chronic health conditions who enrolled through the Marketplaces reported better overall experiences than those who enrolled off Marketplace. Respondents with low health insurance literacy reported poor experiences in enrolling both through the Marketplaces and off Marketplace. Access to consumer assistance in the individual health insurance market should target off-Marketplace populations as well as all populations with low health insurance literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim O Hero
- Joachim O. Hero ( ) is a research fellow in health policy at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, in Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anna D Sinaiko
- Anna D. Sinaiko is an assistant professor of health economics and policy in the Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, in Boston
| | - Jon Kingsdale
- Jon Kingsdale is an associate professor of the practice in the Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, in Massachusetts, and an adjunct professor of the practice at Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Rachel S Gruver
- Rachel S. Gruver is a doctoral student in epidemiology at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in New York City. At the time this work was conducted, she was a project manager at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute
| | - Alison A Galbraith
- Alison A. Galbraith is an associate professor of population medicine at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School
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Alcalá HE, Ng AE, Gayen S, Ortega AN. Insurance Types, Usual Sources of Health Care, and Perceived Discrimination. J Am Board Fam Med 2020; 33:580-91. [PMID: 32675269 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2020.04.190419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Discrimination can compromise access to and utilization of health care and lead to poorer health. As such, it is important to understand the factors associated with experiences of discrimination in health care. METHODS Using data from the 2015 to 2017 California Health Interview Survey (n = 63,100), this study examined whether insurance types and sites of usual sources of care were associated with reasons for perceived discrimination in health care and whether the reasons were associated with delaying health care. Odds of study outcomes were calculated among insured adults using logistic regressions. Insurance coverage types and sites of usual sources of care were the main independent variables. Six reasons for lifetime discrimination in health care were examined: 1) dissatisfaction with the health care system, 2) race or skin color, 3) age, 4) way the participant speaks English or other barrier to communication, 5) insurance status or type, and 6) income or education. RESULTS Adults with Medicaid perceived more discrimination due to race or skin color relative to those with employer-sponsored coverage. This association does not vary by race/ethnicity. Perceived discrimination due to 1) dissatisfaction with the health care system, 2) insurance status or type, and 3) barriers to communication were each associated with increased delays in getting needed medical care. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight potential insurance types and sources of care that could contribute to perceptions of being discriminated.
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Choi WJ, Ha YR, Oh JH, Cho YS, Lee WW, Sohn YD, Cho GC, Koh CY, Do HH, Jeong WJ, Ryoo SM, Kwon JH, Kim HM, Kim SJ, Park CY, Lee JH, Lee JH, Lee DH, Park SY, Kang BS. Clinical Guidance for Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency and Critical Care Areas after Implementing Insurance Coverage in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2020; 35:e54. [PMID: 32080988 PMCID: PMC7036340 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful tool that is widely used in the emergency and intensive care areas. In Korea, insurance coverage of ultrasound examination has been gradually expanding in accordance with measures to enhance Korean National Insurance Coverage since 2017 to 2021, and which will continue until 2021. Full coverage of health insurance for POCUS in the emergency and critical care areas was implemented in July 2019. The National Health Insurance Act classified POCUS as a single or multiple-targeted ultrasound examination (STU vs. MTU). STU scans are conducted of one organ at a time, while MTU includes scanning of multiple organs simultaneously to determine each clinical situation. POCUS can be performed even if a diagnostic ultrasound examination is conducted, based on the physician's decision. However, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service plans to monitor the prescription status of whether the POCUS and diagnostic ultrasound examinations are prescribed simultaneously and repeatedly. Additionally, MTU is allowed only in cases of trauma, cardiac arrest, shock, chest pain, and dyspnea and should be performed by a qualified physician. Although physicians should scan all parts of the chest, heart, and abdomen when they prescribe MTU, they are not required to record all findings in the medical record. Therefore, appropriate prescription, application, and recording of POCUS are needed to enhance the quality of patient care and avoid unnecessary cut of medical budget spending. The present article provides background and clinical guidance for POCUS based on the implementation of full health insurance coverage for POCUS that began in July 2019 in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wook Jin Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Young Rock Ha
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, Daejin Medical Center, Seongnam, Korea.
| | - Je Hyeok Oh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Soon Cho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Won Woong Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seongnam Citizens Medical Center, Seongnam, Korea
| | - You Dong Sohn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gyu Chong Cho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Young Koh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Han Ho Do
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Won Joon Jeong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seung Mok Ryoo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Hyun Kwon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Bundang CHA Hospital, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hyung Min Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Yong Park
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Wonkwang University Hospital, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Jin Hee Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dong-A University Hospital, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Lee
- Department of Pulmonology and Intensive Care Medicine, Dong-A University Hospital, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Sin Youl Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Bo Seung Kang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Korea
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Huguet N, Angier H, Hoopes MJ, Marino M, Heintzman J, Schmidt T, DeVoe JE. Prevalence of Pre-existing Conditions Among Community Health Center Patients Before and After the Affordable Care Act. J Am Board Fam Med 2019; 32:883-889. [PMID: 31704757 PMCID: PMC7001872 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2019.06.190087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of pre-existing conditions for community health center (CHC) patients who gained insurance coverage post-Affordable Care Act (ACA). METHODS We analyzed electronic health record data from 78,059 patients aged 19 to 64 uninsured at their last visit pre-ACA from 386 CHCs in 19 states. We compared the prevalence and types of pre-existing conditions pre-ACA (2012 to 2013) and post-ACA (2014 to 2015), by insurance status and race/ethnicity. RESULTS Pre-ACA, >50% of patients in the cohort had ≥1 Pre-existing condition. Post-ACA, >70% of those who gained insurance coverage had ≥1 condition. Post-ACA, all racial/ethnic subgroups showed an increase in the number of pre-existing conditions, with non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients experiencing the largest increases (adjusted prevalence difference, 18.9; 95% CI, 18.2 to 19.6 and 18.3; 95% CI, 17.8 to 18.7, respectively). The most common conditions post-ACA were mental health disorders with the highest prevalence among patients who gained Medicaid (45.6%) and lowest among those who gained private coverage (30.5%). CONCLUSIONS This study emphasizes the high prevalence of pre-existing conditions among CHC patients and the large increase in the proportion of patients with at least 1 of these diagnoses post-ACA. Given how common these conditions are, repealing pre-existing condition protections could be extremely harmful to millions of patients and would likely exacerbate health care and health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Huguet
- From the Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (NH, HA, MM, JH, JED); OCHIN Inc., Portland, OR (MJH, TS); Biostatistics Group, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR (MM).
| | - Heather Angier
- From the Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (NH, HA, MM, JH, JED); OCHIN Inc., Portland, OR (MJH, TS); Biostatistics Group, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR (MM)
| | - Megan J Hoopes
- From the Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (NH, HA, MM, JH, JED); OCHIN Inc., Portland, OR (MJH, TS); Biostatistics Group, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR (MM)
| | - Miguel Marino
- From the Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (NH, HA, MM, JH, JED); OCHIN Inc., Portland, OR (MJH, TS); Biostatistics Group, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR (MM)
| | - John Heintzman
- From the Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (NH, HA, MM, JH, JED); OCHIN Inc., Portland, OR (MJH, TS); Biostatistics Group, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR (MM)
| | - Teresa Schmidt
- From the Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (NH, HA, MM, JH, JED); OCHIN Inc., Portland, OR (MJH, TS); Biostatistics Group, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR (MM)
| | - Jennifer E DeVoe
- From the Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (NH, HA, MM, JH, JED); OCHIN Inc., Portland, OR (MJH, TS); Biostatistics Group, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR (MM)
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King KL, Husain SA, Jin Z, Brennan C, Mohan S. Trends in Disparities in Preemptive Kidney Transplantation in the United States. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2019; 14:1500-1511. [PMID: 31413065 PMCID: PMC6777592 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.03140319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Long wait times for deceased donor kidneys and low rates of preemptive wait-listing have limited preemptive transplantation in the United States. We aimed to assess trends in preemptive deceased donor transplantation with the introduction of the new Kidney Allocation System (KAS) in 2014 and identify whether key disparities in preemptive transplantation have changed. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We identified adult deceased donor kidney transplant recipients in the United States from 2000 to 2018 using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Preemptive transplantation was defined as no dialysis before transplant. Associations between recipient, donor, transplant, and policy era characteristics and preemptive transplantation were calculated using logistic regression. To test for modification by KAS policy era, an interaction term between policy era and each characteristic of interest was introduced in bivariate and adjusted models. RESULTS The proportion of preemptive transplants increased after implementation of KAS from 9.0% to 9.8%, with 1.10 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.06 to 1.14) times higher odds of preemptive transplantation post-KAS compared with pre-KAS. Preemptive recipients were more likely to be white, older, female, more educated, hold private insurance, and have ESKD cause other than diabetes or hypertension. Policy era significantly modified the association between preemptive transplantation and race, age, insurance status, and Human Leukocyte Antigen zero-mismatch (interaction P<0.05). Medicare patients had a significantly lower odds of preemptive transplantation relative to private insurance holders (pre-KAS adjusted OR, [aOR] 0.26; [95% CI, 0.25 to 0.27], to 0.20 [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.22] post-KAS). Black and Hispanic patients experienced a similar phenomenon (aOR 0.48 [95% CI, 0.45 to 0.51] to 0.41 [95% CI, 0.37 to 0.45] and 0.43 [95% CI, 0.40 to 0.47] to 0.40 [95% CI, 0.36 to 0.46] respectively) compared with white patients. CONCLUSIONS Although the proportion of deceased donor kidney transplants performed preemptively increased slightly after KAS, disparities in preemptive kidney transplantation persisted after the 2014 KAS policy changes and were exacerbated for racial minorities and Medicare patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L King
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.,The Columbia University Renal Epidemiology (CURE) Group, New York, New York
| | - Syed Ali Husain
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.,The Columbia University Renal Epidemiology (CURE) Group, New York, New York
| | | | - Corey Brennan
- The Columbia University Renal Epidemiology (CURE) Group, New York, New York
| | - Sumit Mohan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; .,The Columbia University Renal Epidemiology (CURE) Group, New York, New York.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
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Lin E, Mell MW, Winkelmayer WC, Erickson KF. Health Insurance in the First 3 Months of Hemodialysis and Early Vascular Access. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 13:1866-1875. [PMID: 30385594 PMCID: PMC6302322 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.06660518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Patients without Medicare who develop ESKD in the United States become Medicare eligible by their fourth dialysis month. Patients without insurance may experience delays in obtaining arteriovenous fistulas or grafts before obtaining Medicare coverage. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS In this retrospective cohort study, we used a national registry to compare uninsured patients starting in-center hemodialysis with a central venous catheter between 2010 and 2013 with similar patients with Medicare or Medicaid. We evaluated whether insurance status at dialysis start influenced the likelihoods of switching to dialysis through an arteriovenous fistula or graft and hospitalizations involving a vascular access infection. We used multivariable logistic and Cox regression models and transformed odds ratios to relative risks using marginal effects. RESULTS Patients with Medicare or Medicaid were more likely to switch to an arteriovenous fistula or graft by their fourth dialysis month versus uninsured patients (Medicare hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 2.43; Medicaid hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 1.38). There were no differences in rates of switching to arteriovenous fistulas or grafts after all patients obtained Medicare in their fourth dialysis month (Medicare hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.97 to 1.42; Medicaid hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.06). Patients with Medicare at dialysis start had fewer hospitalizations involving vascular access infection in dialysis months 4-12 (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.37 to 0.97). CONCLUSIONS Insurance-related disparities in the use of arteriovenous fistulas and grafts persist through the fourth month of dialysis, may not fully correct after all patients obtain Medicare coverage, and may lead to more frequent vascular access infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Lin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and
- Centers for Health Policy and Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matthew W. Mell
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Wolfgang C. Winkelmayer
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Kevin F. Erickson
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas; and
- Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, Texas
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Kirkner RM. Back from the Dead. ACA Exchange Market Looking Healthy, Hale, and Competitive. Manag Care 2018; 27:10-11. [PMID: 30620297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The brighter outlook for 2019 is what happens when the learning curve starts to flatten out. Remember, this market has only existed for five years. Margins over the past six months have exceeded even pre-ACA levels, and loss ratios reached new lows in the second quarter of 2018.
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Abstract
The introduction of Medicaid expansions and state Marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have reduced the uninsurance rate to historic lows, changing the choices Americans make about coverage. In this article we shed light on these changing dynamics. We drew upon multistate transition models fit to nationally representative longitudinal data to estimate coverage transition probabilities between major insurance types in the years leading up to and including 2014. We found that the ACA's unprecedented coverage changes increased transitions to Medicaid and nongroup coverage among the uninsured, while strengthening the existing employer-sponsored insurance system and improving retention of public coverage. However, our results suggest possible weakness of state Marketplaces, since people gaining nongroup coverage were disproportionately older than other potential enrollees. We identified key opportunities for policy makers and insurers to improve underlying Marketplace risk pools by focusing on people transitioning from employer-sponsored coverage; these people are disproportionately younger and saw almost no change in their likelihood of becoming uninsured in 2014 compared to earlier years.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Graves
- John A. Graves is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, in Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sayeh S Nikpay
- Sayeh S. Nikpay is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Knight
- College of Business, Department of Management, Marketing, and Public Administration, Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland
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Hurley LP, Allison MA, Pilishvili T, O'Leary ST, Crane LA, Brtnikova M, Beaty BL, Lindley MC, Bridges CB, Kempe A. Primary Care Physicians' Struggle with Current Adult Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations. J Am Board Fam Med 2018; 31:94-104. [PMID: 29330244 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2018.01.170216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2012, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in series with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for at-risk adults ≥19; in 2014, it expanded this recommendation to adults ≥65. Primary care physicians' practice, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding these recommendations are unknown. METHODS Primary care physicians throughout the U.S. were surveyed by E-mail and post from December 2015 to January 2016. RESULTS Response rate was 66% (617 of 935). Over 95% of respondents reported routinely assessing adults' vaccination status and recommending both vaccines. A majority found the current recommendations to be clear (50% "very clear," 38% "somewhat clear"). Twenty percent found the upfront cost of purchasing PCV13, lack of insurance coverage, inadequate reimbursement, and difficulty determining vaccination history to be "major barriers" to giving these vaccines. Knowledge of recommendations varied, with 83% identifying the PCV13 recommendation for adults ≥65 and only 21% identifying the recommended interval between PCV13 and PPSV23 in an individual <65 at increased risk. CONCLUSIONS Almost all surveyed physicians reported recommending both pneumococcal vaccines, but a disconnect seems to exist between perceived clarity and knowledge of the recommendations. Optimal implementation of these recommendations will require addressing knowledge gaps and reported barriers.
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Alcalá HE, Chen J, Langellier BA, Roby DH, Ortega AN. Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Health Care Access and Utilization Among Latinos. J Am Board Fam Med 2017; 30:52-62. [PMID: 28062817 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2017.01.160208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the United States, Latinos have poorer access to and utilization of health care than non-Latino whites. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) may reduce these disparities. The ACA's impact among Latino subgroups is unknown. METHODS Using the 2011 to 2015 National Health Interview Survey, we examined access to and utilization of health care by Latino subgroups (18-64 years old). Subgroups were defined by Latino heritage group, citizenship status, and language use. Measures of access and utilization included insurance status, delaying medical care, forgoing medical care, visiting the emergency department, and visiting a physician. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of the outcomes. Time period and subgroup interaction terms were used to test the effects of the ACA. RESULTS Mexicans and Central Americans had lower odds of being insured than did non-Latino whites. After ACA implementation, most reductions in disparities occurred between Puerto Ricans and non-Latino whites. Limited impact of the ACA was observed by language and citizenship status. CONCLUSIONS The ACA has reduced gaps in access to and utilization of health care for some Latino population subgroups. Remaining disparities necessitate policy solutions that move beyond the ACA, particularly for groups excluded from coverage options, such as noncitizens.
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Cole AM, Keppel GA, Andrilla HA, Cox CM, Baldwin LM; WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) Region Practice and Research Network (WPRN) Patient Preferences for Weight Loss in Primary Care Development Group, and The WPRN Practice Champions. Primary Care Patients' Willingness to Participate in Comprehensive Weight Loss Programs: From the WWAMI Region Practice and Research Network. J Am Board Fam Med 2016; 29:572-80. [PMID: 27613790 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2016.05.160039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In the United States, 69% of adults are overweight or obese, as defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m(2). The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all adult patients for obesity and referring obese patients to intensive, multicomponent behavioral weight loss programs comprising 12 to 26 yearly sessions. The objective of this study is to determine the degree to which overweight and obese primary care patients report willingness to participate in these intensive weight loss programs and to identify the patient factors associated with reported willingness to participate. METHODS This 2013 cross-sectional survey was offered to all adult patients seen for an office visit at 1 of 12 primary care clinics in the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) Region Practice and Research Network (WPRN). Patients self-reported both their health information and their willingness to participate in a comprehensive weight loss program. Respondents were characterized by descriptive statistics. We compared reported rates of willingness to participate by patient factors and assessed which patient factors were independently associated with reported willingness using bivariate analysis and logistic regression, respectively. RESULTS Of overweight and obese respondents, 63% reported willingness to participate in comprehensive weight loss programs. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, BMI, and reason for wanting to lose weight were all significantly and independently associated with reported willingness to participate. CONCLUSIONS Reported willingness to participate in comprehensive weight loss programs suggests that additional resources are needed to understand strategies for disseminating and implementing effective comprehensive weight loss programs.
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Carlin CS, Flottemesch TJ, Solberg LI, Werner AM. System Transformation in Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH): Variable Impact on Chronically Ill Patients' Utilization. J Am Board Fam Med 2016; 29:482-95. [PMID: 27390380 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2016.04.150360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research connecting patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) with improved quality and reduced utilization is inconsistent, possibly because individual domains of change, and the stage of change, are not incorporated in the research design. The objective of this study was to examine the association between stage and domain of change and patterns of health care utilization. METHODS This was a cross-sectional observational study that including 87 Minnesota clinics certified as medical homes. Patients included those receiving management for diabetes or cardiovascular disease with insurance coverage by payers participating in the study. PCMH transformation stage was defined by practice systems in place, with measurements summarized in 5 domains. Health care utilization was measured by total utilization, frequency of outpatient visits and prescriptions, and occurrence of inpatient and emergency department visits. RESULTS PCMH transformation was associated with few changes in utilization, but there were important differences by the underlying domains of change. We demonstrate meaningful differences in the impact of PCMH transformation by diagnosis cohort and comorbidity status of the patient. CONCLUSIONS Because the association of health care utilization with PCMH transformation varied by transformation domain and patient diagnosis, practice leaders need to be supported by research incorporating detailed measures of PCMH transformation.
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Tsai J, Rosenheck RA, Culhane DP, Artiga S. Medicaid expansion: chronically homeless adults will need targeted enrollment and access to a broad range of services. Health Aff (Millwood) 2014; 32:1552-9. [PMID: 24019359 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Homeless adults may gain access to health services under the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion, which takes effect in 2014. This study analyzed the health coverage, health status, and health services use of 725 chronically homeless adults with disabilities in eleven cities in the United States. Nearly three-quarters of the chronically homeless adults in this study with incomes below the threshold for the Medicaid expansion were not enrolled in Medicaid. Fifty-three percent were uninsured or relied solely on state or local assistance, and 21 percent had other coverage that included Department of Veterans Affairs health care. The findings on differences in health status and service use across groups suggest that the Medicaid expansion offers important opportunities to increase coverage and access to care for chronically homeless adults. There may be potential savings for states that expand Medicaid, as people transition from state and local assistance to more comprehensive services under Medicaid. Targeted outreach and assistance to enroll eligible homeless people will be necessary. A broad range of physical and mental health services will be required, including case management to coordinate services.
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Blewett LA, Lukanen E, Call KT, Dahlen H. Survey of high-risk pool enrollees suggests that targeted transition education and outreach should begin soon. Health Aff (Millwood) 2014; 32:1568-75. [PMID: 24019361 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Several provisions of the Affordable Care Act make state and federal high-risk pools unnecessary beginning in January 2014. As a result, thousands of enrollees in those pools will be transferred to Medicaid and the new state and federal insurance exchanges. Our study analyzed new survey data collected from enrollees in the country's oldest and largest state-based high-risk pool, the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association. We estimate that approximately half of the enrollees in that pool will qualify for Medicaid or premium subsidies in the exchange. More than 60 percent of the enrollees reported being somewhat or very unfamiliar with health care reform and the resulting changes to their current coverage. Their concerns about the expected impact of health reform varied by income, geography, and level of deductible. Targeting education and outreach information to address these concerns will be critical for this population's smooth transition to new coverage.
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Abstract
The US Supreme Court's ruling on the Affordable Care Act in 2012 allowed states to opt out of the health reform law's Medicaid expansion. Since that ruling, fourteen governors have announced that their states will not expand their Medicaid programs. We used the RAND COMPARE microsimulation to analyze how opting out of Medicaid expansion would affect coverage and spending, and whether alternative policy options-such as partial expansion of Medicaid-could cover as many people at lower costs to states. With fourteen states opting out, we estimate that 3.6 million fewer people would be insured, federal transfer payments to those states could fall by $8.4 billion, and state spending on uncompensated care could increase by $1 billion in 2016, compared to what would be expected if all states participated in the expansion. These effects were only partially mitigated by alternative options we considered. We conclude that in terms of coverage, cost, and federal payments, states would do best to expand Medicaid.
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Long SK, Kenney GM, Zuckerman S, Goin DE, Wissoker D, Blavin F, Blumberg LJ, Clemans-Cope L, Holahan J, Hempstead K. The health reform monitoring survey: addressing data gaps to provide timely insights into the affordable care act. Health Aff (Millwood) 2013; 33:161-7. [PMID: 24352654 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The Health Reform Monitoring Survey (HRMS) was launched in 2013 as a mechanism to obtain timely information on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during the period before federal government survey data for 2013 and 2014 will be available. Based on a nationally representative, probability-based Internet panel, the HRMS provides quarterly data for approximately 7,400 nonelderly adults and 2,400 children on insurance coverage, access to health care, and health care affordability, along with special topics of relevance to current policy and program issues in each quarter. For example, HRMS data from summer 2013 show that more than 60 percent of those targeted by the health insurance exchanges struggle with understanding key health insurance concepts. This raises concerns about some people's ability to evaluate trade-offs when choosing health insurance plans. Assisting people as they attempt to enroll in health coverage will require targeted education efforts and staff to support those with low health insurance literacy.
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Graves JA, Swartz K. Understanding state variation in health insurance dynamics can help tailor enrollment strategies for ACA expansion. Health Aff (Millwood) 2013; 32:1832-40. [PMID: 24067304 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The number and types of people who become eligible for and enroll in the Affordable Care Act's (ACA's) health insurance expansions will depend in part on the factors that cause people to become uninsured for different lengths of time. We used a small-area estimation approach to estimate differences across states in percentages of adults losing health insurance and in lengths of their uninsured spells. We found that nearly 50 percent of the nonelderly adult population in Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas--but only 18 percent in Massachusetts and 22 percent in Vermont--experienced an uninsured spell between 2009 and 2012. Compared to people who lost private coverage, those with public insurance were more likely to experience an uninsured spell, but their spells of uninsurance were shorter. We categorized states based on estimated incidence of uninsured spells and the spells' duration. States should tailor their enrollment outreach and retention efforts for the ACA's coverage expansions to address their own mix of types of coverage lost and durations of uninsured spells.
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Weeks WB, Whedon JM, Toler A, Goertz CM. Medicare's demonstration of expanded coverage for chiropractic services: limitations of the demonstration and an alternative direct cost estimate. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2013; 36:468-81. [PMID: 23993755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to examine the direct costs associated with Medicare's 2005-2007 "Demonstration of Expanded Coverage of Chiropractic Services" (Demonstration) and their drivers, to explore practice pattern variation during the Demonstration, and to describe scenarios of cost implications had provider behavior and benefit coverage been different. METHODS Using Medicare Part B data from April 1, 2005, and March 31, 2007, and 2004 Rural Urban Continuum Codes, we conducted a retrospective analysis of traditionally reimbursed and expanded chiropractic services provided to patients aged 65 to 99 years who had a neuromusculoskeletal condition. We compared chiropractic care costs, supply, and utilization patterns for the 2-year periods before, during, and after the Demonstration for 5 Chicago area counties that participated in the Demonstration to those for 6 other county aggregations-urban or rural counties that participated in the Demonstration; were designated comparison counties during the Demonstration; or were neither participating nor comparison counties during the Demonstration. RESULTS When compared with other groups, doctors of chiropractic in 1 region (Chicago area counties) billed more aggressively for expanded services and were reimbursed significantly more for traditionally reimbursed chiropractic services provided before, during, and after the Demonstration. Costs would have been substantially lower had doctors of chiropractic in this 1 region had responded similarly to those in other demonstration counties. CONCLUSION We found widespread geographic variation in practice behavior and patterns. Our findings suggest that Medicare might reduce the risk of accelerated costs associated with the introduction of a new benefit by applying appropriate limits to the frequency of use and overall costs of those benefits, particularly in highly competitive markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Weeks
- Professor, The Departments of Psychiatry and of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Research, Lebanon, NH.
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Claxton G, Rae M, Panchal N, Damico A, Whitmore H, Bostick N, Kenward K. Health benefits in 2013: moderate premium increases in employer-sponsored plans. Health Aff (Millwood) 2013; 32:1667-76. [PMID: 23962411 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums rose moderately in 2013, the annual Kaiser Family Foundation/Health Research and Educational Trust (Kaiser/HRET) Employer Health Benefits Survey found. In 2013 single coverage premiums rose 5 percent to $5,884, and family coverage premiums rose 4 percent to $16,351. The percentage of firms offering health benefits (57 percent) was similar to that in 2012, as was the percentage of workers at offering firms who were covered by their firm's health benefits (62 percent). The share of workers with a deductible for single coverage increased significantly from 2012, as did the share of workers in small firms with annual deductibles of $1,000 or more. Most firms (77 percent), including nearly all large employers, continued to offer wellness programs, but relatively few used incentives to encourage employees to participate. More than half of large employers offering health risk appraisals to workers offered financial incentives for completing the appraisal.
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Friedman AB, Mendola T. To cover their child, one couple navigates a health insurance maze in Pennsylvania. Health Aff (Millwood) 2013; 32:994-7. [PMID: 23650331 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2012.1253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ari B Friedman
- University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine and Wharton School, PA, USA.
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