National health expenditures grew by 3.9 percent in April 2012 compared with April 2011, a continued trend of roughly 4 percent growth since mid-2011, according to a report from the Altarum Institute's Center for Sustainable Health Spending (pdf).
Healthcare prices also remained low in April 2012, as they were only 1.9 percent higher year-over-year. Hospital and physician prices grew at 2.2 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively. Price growth for nursing home care, prescription drugs and other non-durable medical products all stayed under 1 percent from April 2011 to April 2012.
The Altarum Institute also indicated that healthcare employment "is a bright spot in a disappointing jobs report." Healthcare employment rose by 33,000 jobs in May 2012, but hospitals added a below-average 4,500 jobs.
Healthcare prices also remained low in April 2012, as they were only 1.9 percent higher year-over-year. Hospital and physician prices grew at 2.2 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively. Price growth for nursing home care, prescription drugs and other non-durable medical products all stayed under 1 percent from April 2011 to April 2012.
The Altarum Institute also indicated that healthcare employment "is a bright spot in a disappointing jobs report." Healthcare employment rose by 33,000 jobs in May 2012, but hospitals added a below-average 4,500 jobs.
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