scholarly journals Comprehensive survey of United States internet users’ sentiments towards cryopreservation

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0244980
Author(s):  
Christopher Robert Gillett ◽  
Taylor Brame ◽  
Emil F. Kendiorra
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Low Temperatures ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fear Of Death ◽  
Cryoprotective Agents ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Comprehensive Survey ◽  
Attitudes Towards Death ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Cost

Medical cryopreservation is the speculative practice of using low temperatures and medical-grade cryoprotective agents to halt the decay of a recently-deceased person’s brain and body for the prospect of future resuscitation and restoration of function. We conducted a survey of 1,487 internet users in the United States to measure familiarity with, interest in, beliefs about, and attitudes towards cryopreservation. The majority of respondents (75%) had previously heard of the topic. Respondents tended to underestimate the cost of cryopreservation and number of previous cases but overestimate the number of providers. While many respondents expressed interest in signing up (20%) or had actively researched the topic (21%), a much smaller fraction have decided to be cryopreserved (6%). This level of interest is much greater than the number of previous preservation cases would indicate. We found that respondents’ attitudes towards death significantly correlated with their general sentiments towards the topic, with those expressing a desire for longer life or to see the future being more interested and positively inclined. Fear of death was not associated with interest in cryopreservation. Negative sentiments towards cryopreservation were less common than respondents perceived. For example, 14% of respondents believed that “most people” think cryopreservation should be illegal, but only 4% of respondents actually did. Many respondents (42%) were pessimistic regarding the likelihood of cryopreservation being successful, but the mean estimate of time until revival of cryopreserved bodies would be possible was 82 years.

scholarly journals The Cost Variability of Orthobiologics

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-98
Author(s):  
Amit Mukesh Momaya ◽  
Andrew Sullivan McGee ◽  
Alexander R. Dombrowsky ◽  
Alan Joshua Wild ◽  
Naqeeb M. Faroqui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The United States ◽  
Median Income ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Significant Variability ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Cost

Background: Mixed results exist regarding the benefit of orthobiologic injections. The purpose of this study was to assess the variability in costs for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell (SC) injections and evaluate for variables that influence pricing. Hypothesis: There will be significant variability in the cost of PRP and SC injections throughout the United States. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Calls were made to 1345 orthopaedic sports medicine practices across the United States inquiring into the availability of PRP or SC knee injections and associated costs. In addition to pricing, the practice type, number of providers, and population and income demographics were recorded. Univariate statistical analyses were used to identify differences in availability and cost between variables. Results: Of the contacted offices that provided information on both PRP and SC availability (n = 1325), 268 (20.2%) offered both treatments, 550 (41.5%) offered only PRP injections, 20 (1.5%) offered only SC injections, and 487 (36.8%) did not offer either treatment. The mean ± SD cost of a PRP injection was $707 ± $388 (range, $175-$4973), and the mean cost of an SC injection was $2728 ± $1584 (range, $300-$12,000). Practices offering PRP and SC injections tended to be larger (PRP, 12.0 physicians per practice vs. 8.1 [ P < 0.001]; SC, 13.6 vs 9.7 [ P < 0.001]). Practices that offered PRP injections were located in areas with higher median household income ( P = 0.047). Variables associated with higher cost of PRP injections included city population ( P < 0.001) and median income of residents ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: While the majority of sports medicine practices across the United States offer some type of orthobiologic injection, there exists significant variability in the cost of these injections. Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrates the significant variability in costs of orthobiologic injections throughout the country, which will allow sports medicine physicians to appreciate the value of these injections when counseling patients on available treatment options.

scholarly journals The Cost Variability of Orthobiologics

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0028
Author(s):  
Brent Ponce ◽  
Andrew McGee ◽  
Alex Dombrowsky ◽  
Raymond Waldrop ◽  
Joshua Wild ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
The United States ◽  
City Population ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cost Variability ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Mean Cost

Objectives: Despite limited clinical data, many orthopedic practices offer orthobiologic injections. Such injections are not covered by insurance, and thus patients pay out of pocket for these treatments. The purpose of this study was to assess the variability in costs for platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell (SC) injections across practices and evaluate for variables that influence pricing. Methods: A list of 1,345 orthopedic sports medicine practices across the United States was compiled. Calls were made inquiring into the availability of PRP or SC knee injections and associated costs. In addition to pricing, practice type (academic or private), number of providers, and population and income demographics were recorded. Univariate statistical analyses were used to identify differences in availability and cost between variables. Results: Of the contacted offices, 268 (20.2%) offered both treatments, 550 (41.5%) offered only PRP injections, 20 (1.5%) offered only stem cell injections, and 487 (36.2%) did not offer either treatment. The mean (± SD) cost of a PRP injection was $707 ± $388 (range, $175 to $4,973), and the mean cost of a SC injection was $2,728 ± $1,584 (range, $300 to $12,000). Practices offering PRP and SC injections tended to be larger (for PRP - 11.6 physicians per practice vs. 8.1, P<0.001; for SC - 12.3 vs. 9.7, P=0.006). In addition, practices that offered PRP injections were located in areas with higher mean income ($67,500 vs. $64,300, P=0.047). Variables associated with higher cost of PRP injection included city population (P<0.001) and mean income of residents (P<0.001). Conclusion: While the majority of sports medicine practices across the United States offer some type of orthobiologic injection, there exists significant variability in the cost of these injections. The cost for PRP injections is higher in practices located in highly populated areas and in areas with greater mean incomes.

scholarly journals Trends of Hospitalization in Acute Pancreatitis in Patients in the United States from 2001-2014

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Casey ◽  
Roberto Argo ◽  
Albert Bianco
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
The United States ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Hospital Charges ◽  
Cost Burden ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Cost

Background &amp; Purpose: The prevalence of acute pancreatitis(AP) has increased over time and is one of the most important gastrointestinal causes of frequent admissions to hospital in the United States. The cost burden of AP has been steadily increasing. The primary objective of our study was to analyze patient demographics, cost burden, mortality and length of stay associated with AP hospital admissions.Methods: Nationwide inpatient sample (NIS) database was used to identify AP admissions in all patients from ≥18 years of age from 2001 to 2014 using ICD-9-CM code 577.0 as the principal discharge diagnosisResults: The number of hospitalizations increased from 215,238 in 2001 to 279,145 in 2014. In-hospital mortality decreased from 1.74% in 2001 to 0.66% in 2014. Mean length of hospital stay has decreased from 6.1 days to 4.6 days during the same period, but the mean hospital charges increased from $19,303 in 2001 to $35,728 in 2014. The proportion of males to females with acute pancreatitis is slowly trending up from 2001 to 2014. Conclusion: The number of hospitalizations due to acute pancreatitis has been steadily increasing, and further research needs to be done on finding out the reasons for increased causes of hospitalization and ways to decrease the cost burden on patients and hospitals.

scholarly journals SWK-11. ASSESSMENT OF THE INDIRECT COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROTON THERAPY TREATMENT FOR ALBERTA PATIENTS REFERRED OUT OF COUNTRY

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii466-iii466
Author(s):  
Karina Black ◽  
Jackie Middleton ◽  
Sunita Ghosh ◽  
David Eisenstat ◽  
Samor Patel
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Proton Therapy ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Opportunity Costs ◽  
Proton Treatment ◽  
Out Of Pocket Expenses ◽  
The Cost

Abstract BACKGROUND Proton therapy for benign and malignant tumors has dosimetric and clinical advantages over photon therapy. Patients in Alberta, Canada are referred to the United States for proton treatment. The Alberta Heath Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) pays for the proton treatment and the cost of flights to and from the United States (direct costs). This study aimed to determine the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by patients or their families (indirect costs). METHODS Invitation letters linked to an electronic survey were mailed to patients treated with protons between 2008 and 2018. Expenses for flights for other family members, accommodations, transportation, food, passports, insurance, and opportunity costs including lost wages and productivity were measured. RESULTS Fifty-nine invitation letters were mailed. Seventeen surveys were completed (28.8% response rate). One paper survey was mailed at participant request. Nine respondents were from parent/guardian, 8 from patients. All patients were accompanied to the US by a family member/friend. Considerable variability in costs and reimbursements were reported. Many of the accompanying family/friends had to miss work; only 3 patients themselves reported missed work. Time away from work varied, and varied as to whether it was paid or unpaid time off. CONCLUSIONS Respondents incurred indirect monetary and opportunity costs which were not covered by AHCIP when traveling out of country for proton therapy. Prospective studies could help provide current data minimizing recall bias. These data may be helpful for administrators in assessing the societal cost of out-of-country referral of patients for proton therapy.

scholarly journals Longer Residence in the United States is Associated With More Physical Function Limitations in African Immigrant Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482097760
Author(s):  
Manka Nkimbeng ◽  
Yvonne Commodore-Mensah ◽  
Jacqueline L. Angel ◽  
Karen Bandeen-Roche ◽  
Roland J. Thorpe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Racial Discrimination ◽  
African Immigrants ◽  
The United States ◽  
African Immigrant ◽  
High Discrimination ◽  
The Mean

Acculturation and racial discrimination have been independently associated with physical function limitations in immigrant and United States (U.S.)-born populations. This study examined the relationships among acculturation, racial discrimination, and physical function limitations in N = 165 African immigrant older adults using multiple linear regression. The mean age was 62 years ( SD = 8 years), and 61% were female. Older adults who resided in the United States for 10 years or more had more physical function limitations compared with those who resided here for less than 10 years ( b = −2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [–5.01, –0.23]). Compared to lower discrimination, those with high discrimination had more physical function limitations ( b = −2.51, 95% CI = [–4.91, –0.17]), but this was no longer significant after controlling for length of residence and acculturation strategy. Residing in the United States for more than 10 years is associated with poorer physical function. Longitudinal studies with large, diverse samples of African immigrants are needed to confirm these associations.

scholarly journals A Retrospective Analysis of Softball-Related Head and Facial Injuries Treated in United States Emergency Departments, 2013-2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711982566 ◽  
Author(s):  
John S. Strickland ◽  
Marie Crandall ◽  
Grant R. Bevill
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Weighted Estimate ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Facial Injuries ◽  
Closed Head Injuries ◽  
Closed Head ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Race Ethnicity

Background: Softball is a popular sport played through both competitive and recreational leagues. While head and facial injuries are a known problem occurring from games, little is known about the frequency or mechanisms by which they occur. Purpose: To analyze head/face injury diagnoses and to identify the mechanisms associated with such injuries. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: A public database was used to query data related to head/facial injuries sustained in softball. Data including age, sex, race/ethnicity, injury diagnosis, affected body parts, disposition, incident location, and narrative descriptions were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 3324 head and face injuries were documented in the database over the time span of 2013 to 2017, resulting in a nationwide weighted estimate of 121,802 head/face injuries occurring annually. The mean age of the players was 21.5 ± 14.4 years; 72.1% of injured players were female, while 27.9% were male. The most common injury diagnoses were closed head injuries (22.0%), contusions (18.7%), concussions (17.7%), lacerations (17.1%), and fractures (15.1%). The overwhelming majority of injuries involved being struck by a ball (74.3%), followed by colliding with another player (8.3%), colliding with the ground or a fixed object (5.0%), or being struck by a bat (2.8%). For those injuries caused by a struck-by-ball incident, most occurred from defensive play (83.7% were fielders struck by a hit or thrown ball) as opposed to offensive play (12.3% were players hit by a pitch or runners struck by a ball). Although helmet usage was poorly tracked in the database, female players (1.3%) were significantly more likely to have been wearing a helmet at the time of injury than were male players (0.2%) ( P = .002). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that a large number of head and face injuries occur annually within the United States as a result of softball play. A variety of injuries were observed, with the majority involving defensive players being struck by the ball, which highlights the need for more focus on player safety by stronger adherence to protective headgear usage and player health monitoring.

scholarly journals The Effect of Massachusetts' Health Reform on Employer-Sponsored Insurance Premiums

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
John F Cogan ◽  
R. Glenn Hubbard ◽  
Daniel Kessler
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Reform ◽  
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
Insurance Premiums ◽  
Reform Plan ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Cost

In this paper, we use publicly available data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey - Insurance Component (MEPS-IC) to investigate the effect of Massachusetts' health reform plan on employer-sponsored insurance premiums. We tabulate premium growth for private-sector employers in Massachusetts and the United States as a whole for 2004 - 2008. We estimate the effect of the plan as the difference in premium growth between Massachusetts and the United States between 2006 and 2008—that is, before versus after the plan—over and above the difference in premium growth for 2004 to 2006. We find that health reform in Massachusetts increased single-coverage employer-sponsored insurance premiums by about 6 percent, or $262. Although our research design has important limitations, it does suggest that policy makers should be concerned about the consequences of health reform for the cost of private insurance.

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