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Recent Studies And Surveys
Health Affairs: Annual Medical Spending Attributable to Obesity: Payer- and Service-Specific Estimates -- Using data from 1998 and 2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (MEPS) - "a nationally representative survey of the civilian noninstitutionalized population that quantifies a person"s total annual medical spending by type of service and of payment" - the authors estimate the health cost of obesity in the U.S. is $147 billion. "Across all payers, per capita medical spending for the obese is $1,429 higher per year, or roughly 42 percent higher, than for someone of normal weight. In aggregate, the annual medical burden of obesity has increased from 6.5 percent to 9.1 percent of annual medical spending and could be as high as $147 billion per year (in 2008 dollars) based on the NHEA [National Health Expenditure Accounts] estimate," according to the study. In conclusion, the authors write, "The take-home message is that without a strong and sustained reduction in obesity prevalence, obesity will continue to impose major costs on the health system for the foreseeable future. And although health reform may be necessary to address health inequities and rein in rising health spending, real savings are more likely to be achieved through reforms that reduce the prevalence of obesity and related risk factors, including poor diet and inactivity" (7/27).
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$1.25 Million Awarded To Prostate Cancer Research
New treatments to ease or even cure the most common cancer affecting Australian men are a step closer to reality with a $1.25 million grant awarded to QUT prostate cancer researcher Professor Colleen Nelson today.
News of the day
The Cost Of Autism In The UK Is More Than $41 Billion Every Year
Research published this week in the journal Autism, published by SAGE, estimate the annual costs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to be more than ÷£27 billion a year. The costs of supporting children with ASDs were estimated to be ÷£2.7 billion per year, ÷£25 billion each year for adults. The findings were presented at the Autism & Employment Workshop at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Diagnostics

Help GPs Spend More Time Preventing Illness, Australia

The Medicare rebate system should be reformed to enable General Practitioners to spend more time helping patients to avoid preventable health problems, the AMA said today. AMA Federal President, Dr Andrew Pesce, used General Practice Week to highlight the important role GPs play in preventive health care. "A recently-released Australian Institute of Health and Welfare/University of Sydney report showed an increasing number of patients who present to GPs are overweight or obese and more people are requesting check-ups," Dr Pesce said "GPs are also spending more time advising patients with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions on how to stay fit and healthy. "A visit to a GP with a health problem can also be a good opportunity for patients to receive advice about their lifestyle and health needs. "Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rebates perversely encourage shorter consultations. But it has been shown that longer consultations can include preventive health messages and deliver better outcomes. "The Minister for Health and Ageing has promised Medicare reform and simplification but the reforms are yet to be put in place." Dr Pesce said the MBS should also support practice nurses to provide brief preventive health follow-ups on behalf of a patient"s doctor. Australian Medical Association


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