PLOS Medicine published the study’s findings in its May 10 issue.
Here are five takeaways:
1. The analysis estimates a 10 percent decline in smoking would result in an estimated $63 billion reduction in total national healthcare costs the following year.
2. Researchers have found smoking causes cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease as well as pregnancy complications.
3. Reductions in smoking have significant short-term and long-term health benefits that work to lower spending per capita.
4. The study authors estimate California saved $15.4 billion on medical costs in 2009 because of the state’s smoking rate.
5. By comparison, Kentucky spent $1.7 billion more on medical costs due to the state’s higher smoking rate.
More articles on coding & billing:
Telemedicine use among Medicare beneficiaries rapidly increasing — 5 observations
GOP claims CMS official fell $178M short — 4 highlights
High out-of-pocket costs deter ER patients from seeking care — 5 things to know
