Adjunctive Aripiprazole for Depression: Predictive Value of Early Assessment
In treatment of depression with adjunctive aripiprazole, early improvement (week 2) was a significant predictor of remission, and lack of improvement was associated with nonremission.
Cost Savings in Inpatient Oncology Through an Integrative Medicine Approach
An approach including yoga, holistic nursing, and a "healing environment" can decrease medication use, resulting in substantial cost savings in care of inpatient oncology patients.
Effect of Market Competition on Hospital Performance for Heart Failure
This study empirically examines whether market competition is a potential driver of hospital performance on the key evidence-based Joint Commission heart-failure quality indicators.
Costs of Providing Antiplatelet Medication for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Patients
An insurance benefit that provides percutaneous coronary intervention patients with a discharge supply of antiplatelet medication could result in cost savings for insurers.
Comparing Variation in Medicare and Private Insurance Spending in Texas
We found that, in 2008, variations across Texas in total spending and inpatient utilization are similar in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Medicare.
Collection of Language Data and Services Provided by Health Plans
Health plans have made substantial progress in the collection of language data and many are offering options for language services.
Physician Prescribing Behavior and Its Impact on Patient-Level Outcomes
Physicians prescribe more broadly than commonly perceived. Although most physicians have a favorite drug, they are not reluctant to try new therapies.
Self-Reported Health and Functional Status Information Improves Prediction of Inpatient Admissions and Costs
Among a Medicare population, use of 3 self-reported health items improves predicted inpatient admissions and healthcare costs when used with risk-prediction model.
Toward a Business Case for Performance Improvement
Recent legislative action and private sector innovation, driven by the unsustainability of the current system, may gradually create a business case for performance improvement.