Tag

Unnecessary Procedures

All articles tagged with #unnecessary procedures

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

business1 year ago•2 min saved

"Michigan Vascular Clinics Face Closure Amid Investigation"

Dr. Jihad Mustapha, known as the "leg saver," is closing his vascular clinics in Michigan after scrutiny over potentially unnecessary and harmful procedures, including atherectomies that sometimes led to amputations. The clinics' closure comes after a Times investigation revealed the increased use of these procedures, which have enriched doctors and device companies. Dr. Mustapha and his partner, Dr. Fadi Saab, are relocating to practices in Florida and Michigan, respectively. State health authorities found that dozens of unnecessary procedures were performed, and an insurance company reported 45 patients losing limbs after treatment at the clinics. Dr. Mustapha has faced legal challenges and struggles with insurers following the scrutiny.

via The New York Times|

#business #jihad-mustapha #medicare

healthcare2 years ago•3 min saved

The Costly Overuse of Heart Stents: A Burden on US Taxpayers

A report by the Lown Institute has found that US taxpayers are spending over $800 million annually on unnecessary heart stents. The study estimated that one in five stents implanted between 2019 and 2021 were not needed, costing Medicare $2.44 billion over three years. The overuse of stents is deemed wasteful and potentially harmful to patients, with complications including blood clots, abdominal bleeding, kidney damage, heart attack, or death. The report highlights the need for better evaluation and appropriate use of stents in patients with coronary artery disease.

via Daily Mail|

#coronary-artery-disease #healthcare #healthcare-costs

healthcare2 years ago•2 min saved

The Costly Overuse of Coronary Stents: A Taxpayer Burden

A report by the Lown Institute reveals that over 20% of coronary stents placed between 2019 and 2021 in the US were unnecessary, costing Medicare over $800 million annually. The study examined more than 1,700 hospitals nationwide and found that Northwest Texas Hospital and Riverview Regional Medical Center had the highest rates of unnecessary stent procedures. The overuse of stents puts patients at risk of complications and financial hardships, with Medicare paying an average of $10,615 per procedure. Private insurance companies may pay even more. Stents were found to have no better effect at treating heart disease than medication, raising concerns about patient safety and healthcare costs.

via Forbes|

#coronary-stents #healthcare #healthcare-costs