October 2010

Hospitalization costs associated with heart failure averaged $23,077 and were higher when heart failure was a secondary rather than the primary diagnosis.

Care episodes treated in retail clinics appeared to be less complex than those treated in office settings.

Costly new breast cancer therapies augment the significant burden this disease places on healthcare resources, but in context they may still provide value to society.

The Shared Savings Program design is at risk of not providing a sufficiently strong business case to convince provider organizations to change their practice cultures.

This population-based study examines socioeconomic and clinical factors associated with scheduled and unscheduled readmissions after discharge among older patients with diabetes.

Substantial variation in prescription spending and use of brand-name drugs exists across the VA healthcare system, with no apparent relationship to quality of care.

Among women diagnosed as having intimate partner violence, odds of mental health utilization were lower among those diagnosed in emergency departments versus primary care clinics.

A new insurance product based on principles of member and purchaser accountability was adopted rapidly and resulted in several health improvements.

A medication reconciliation program is associated with a high rate of perfectly accurate drug profiles and may assist in reducing adverse drug events.

A panel-support tool in a managed care setting improved the percentage of care recommendations met for patients with diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease.