Report on CHRT’s April 2012 issue brief “Variation in Interventional Cardiac Care in Michigan.”
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Costly Heart Procedures Thrive In Some Places, Michigan Study Finds
Report on CHRT’s April 2012 issue brief “Variation in Interventional Cardiac Care in Michigan.”
Study: More heart surgery centers mean more unnecessary heart surgery
Report on CHRT’s April 2012 issue brief “Variation in Interventional Cardiac Care in Michigan.”
Regional variation in rates of cardiac procedures on the rise in Michigan
Regional differences in rates of cardiac procedures have increased in Michigan over the past decade—not fully explained by differences in health risk factors, heart attack or cardiac mortality rates—according to a report released today by the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT). The report compares the state’s hospital referral regions (HRRs) using claims data from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s (BCBSM’s) under-65 commercial subscribers and Medicare data from The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care in Michigan.
According to the report, even though overall rates for cardiac procedures (angioplasty and bypass surgery) declined by 19 percent for the BCBSM under-65 population, regional variation increased among HRRs: In 1997, the rate varied from 27 percent below the state average to 30 percent above; by 2008, the range was 37 percent below the state average to 48 percent above. Although variation is not necessarily of concern in and of itself, it can be of concern when it appears to be driven by factors other than individual patient characteristics and fully-informed decisions about the relative risks and benefits of invasive vs. noninvasive treatments.Continue Reading Regional variation in rates of cardiac procedures on the rise in Michigan
Lansing area sees fewer cardiac procedures
Report on CHRT’s April 2012 issue brief “Variation in Interventional Cardiac Care in Michigan.”
(No longer available online)
Equitable Health Care: Sunday Dialogue
CHRT director Marianne Udow-Phillips’ responds to Alan B. Cohen’s commentary in the New York Times “Sunday Dialog.”
New fellowship pairs University of Michigan researchers with state policy makers to better connect research and policy
The Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) announced today the inaugural class of the CHRT Policy Fellowship at the University of Michigan, a new fellowship program focused on building connections between health services research and policy for more effective, evidence-based health policy decisions.
The fellowship, thought to be the first of its kind in the nation, will bring together five researchers from the University of Michigan and five Lansing policy makers to work on joint projects and learn from each other. The fellowship will include interactive seminars as well as hands-on experience.Continue Reading New fellowship pairs University of Michigan researchers with state policy makers to better connect research and policy
Survey shows 81 percent of Michigan primary care physicians have capacity, willing to serve more patients, including those with Medicaid
Survey results released today by the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT), in partnership with the Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit (CHEAR) at the University of Michigan, show that Michigan primary care physicians will continue accepting new patients—including Medicaid recipients—as the state’s insured population grows under health care reform.
Results of the statewide survey reveal that a majority (81 percent) of Michigan primary care physicians anticipate being able to accommodate patients who become newly insured in 2014, when health insurance coverage expands significantly under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Of those physicians, nearly all indicated that they would accept newly eligible Medicaid patients.Continue Reading Survey shows 81 percent of Michigan primary care physicians have capacity, willing to serve more patients, including those with Medicaid
Planning tool helps midsize, large employers prep for health coverage decisions
The Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) today released a policy brief that explains the most significant effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on midsize and large employers in Michigan and the United States.
Many surveys have predicted the likely actions of employers when the ACA goes into full effect in 2014—but the accuracy of those predictions depends largely on how well employers understand the relevant provisions of the ACA. In reality, it is likely that many employers do not yet have a full picture of the ACA and its effects on their particular business situations.Continue Reading Planning tool helps midsize, large employers prep for health coverage decisions
Can Michigan win the battle against obesity?
CHRT Director Marianne Udow-Phillips weighs in on the cost of obesity, explaining to the Lansing State Journal how reducing obesity—a preventable condition—could free money for other things.