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Lown Institute

All articles tagged with #lown institute

health1 year ago•1 min saved

Medicare Wastes $2B on Unnecessary Back Surgeries

A new analysis by the Lown Institute reveals that Medicare spent approximately $2 billion on over 200,000 unnecessary back surgeries over three years, putting patients at risk of poor outcomes. The study found that 14% of spinal fusions and laminectomies, and 11% of vertebroplasties, were performed without appropriate diagnoses, highlighting significant variability in overuse rates across hospitals. This persistent issue underscores the influence of medical training and norms over evidence-based practices.

via Axios|

#back-surgeries #health #healthcare-costs

healthcare2 years ago•6 min saved

Cardiologists Challenge Coronary Stent Overuse Report

A report by the Lown Institute claims that 1 in 5 stents placed in Medicare recipients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) were considered "overuse." The report suggests that hospitals performed over 229,000 unnecessary stent placements, costing Medicare up to $2.4 billion from 2019 to 2021. Cardiologists have criticized the report, arguing that the definition of overuse is flawed and ignores appropriate use criteria and clinical information. They emphasize the importance of considering individual patient factors and symptoms when determining the need for stent placement. The report has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of stent use and the need for improved assessment methods.

via Medscape|

#cardiology #coronary-stents #healthcare