December RAND Health Congressional Newsletter

The December Health Congressional Newsletter features RAND research related to health issues that the new Congress will be addressing.

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Health care waste—how much, what kind, how to reduce it

This conceptual framework can guide researchers and policymakers in evaluating waste and implementing strategies to reduce it.

Full documentMore quality of care research

Did you get that flu shot?

An Internet survey can provide accurate estimates of end-of-season influenza vaccination rates in time to promote and administer late-season vaccination.

Read abstractMidseason flu surveyMore public health research

Drug cost regulations could hurt future medical innovation

Regulating prescription drug price would generate modest cost savings but could stifle innovation. A better policy is reducing or eliminating drug copayments to encourage people to take health-improving medications.

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A toolkit for improving public health emergency preparedness

Developed with the input of health departments from across the country, this tool kit is intended to help state and local health departments incorporate quality improvement methods into their emergency preparedness activities.

Full documentWebinarMore research on public health preparedness

Measuring the bargaining power of managed care

Health plans with large membership have the leverage to extract substantial discounts from hospitals.

Read abstractMore health economics research

Physicians may not discuss breast reconstruction with lower income women.

Lower income women, older women, and women living alone are less likely to have breast reconstruction.

Read abstractMore research on diversity in health

Family health history could personalize prevention

Family Healthware is a Web-based tool that assesses familial risk for 6 major diseases and provides personalized recommendations for lifestyle changes and screening. It is currently being tested in networks of primary care practices.

Read abstractMore research on genetics and health

Weight-loss surgery could help obese women avoid pregnancy-related health complications

Obese women who have weight loss surgery before becoming pregnant have a lower risk of pregnancy-related health problems and their children are less likely to be born with complications.

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