Medicare Spend Increases on Opioids and Antibiotics While Low-Value Care Spending Decreases
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that low-value care spending dropped from 2014 to 2018 for Medicare recipients.
February 17, 2021 – A new study by the RAND Corporation found that low-value care spending dropped from 2014 to 2018 for Medicare recipients. They also found that two of the three services that make up low-value care spending, increased. Spending on antibiotics and opioid prescriptions increased, which highlights several ways to reduce wasteful healthcare spending.
The study found that 2/3 of low-value care spending went to preoperative lab testing, antibiotics for upper respiratory infections, and opioids for back pain. This suggests that policymakers should educate physicians and patients on the issues that low-value services like this present, while also pushing payment reforms like capitation that promote VBP.
Click here to read the full report from the RAND Corporation.
The VBP Blog is a comprehensive resource for all things related to value-based payments. We provide up to date news, informative webinars, and relevant blogs in the VBP sphere to help your organization find success.
Get even more VBP insights on LinkedIn & Twitter
More Trending Topics:
Exploring Success of CMMI Value-Based Payment Models: A New Series on Innovation and Impact
From bundled payments to accountable care, CMMI models are reshaping healthcare delivery. This series explores which ones delivered results, and what it means for value-based care in the future.
Unplanned Long-Term Care Costs Threaten U.S. Retirement Security
New analysis warns that long-term care expenses pose serious risks to retirement security, particularly for single women and Baby Boomers.
New York Expands Behavioral Health Access Through Medicaid Reforms
New York announces improved Medicaid managed care compliance for behavioral health services despite weakening federal enforcement on mental health parity.
Rolling Back Disability Rights: How the Administration’s Policies Threaten Access, Equity, and Inclusion for the IDD Community
Budget cuts and restructuring at agencies like CDC and NIH are weakening the nation’s health infrastructure. Learn how these changes impact public health, research, and safety.
Study Shows Medicare ACOs Cut Billions in Costs Between 2012 and 2019
Medicare Shared Savings Program ACOs saved the program $4.1 to $8.1 billion between 2012 and 2019, with smaller physician-led organizations showing the most impact.
Idaho Plans Full Transition to Medicaid Managed Care by 2029
Idaho plans to shift all Medicaid services to private managed care by 2029, with health officials cautioning the transition must be gradual to avoid disruption.
Value Based Care Stories
