Xiao Xu PhD

Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences

Research Interests

health economics; health outcomes research; women's health; cost effectiveness analysis; aging

Research Summary

As a health economist, Dr. Xu's research focuses on improving the efficiency and outcomes of health care delivery for women and older adults. Her recent projects have examined the cost-effectiveness of various medical and surgical interventions in obstetric and gynecologic care, the impact of insurance coverage on women’s health care utilization, gender and ethnic differences in older adults' physical and mental health trajectories, and the influence of state medical malpractice environment and liability reforms on physicians’ referral practice and the cost implications. Dr. Xu's research has been funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. She received Honorable Mention for the Aetna Susan B. Anthony Award from the American Public Health Association (Gerontological Health Section) for excellence in research on older women and public health (2005) and the Frank J. McDevitt Excellence in Research Award in Policy Research from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation (2008, 2011).

Selected Publications

  • Xu X, Liang J, Bennett JM, Quiñones AR, Ye W. Ethnic differences in the dynamics of depressive symptoms in middle aged and older Americans. Journal of Aging and Health, 2010;22(5):631-652.
  • Xu X, Ivy JS, Patel DA, Patel SN, Smith DG, Ransom SB, Fenner D, DeLancey JOL. Pelvic floor consequences of cesarean delivery on maternal request in women with a single birth: A cost-effectiveness analysis. Journal of Women’s Health 2010;19(1):147-160.
  • Xu X, Grigorescu V, Siefert KA, Lori JR, Ransom SB. Cost of racial disparity in preterm birth: Evidence from Michigan. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved 2009;20(3):729-747.
  • Wei JT, Nygaard I, Richter HE, Brown MB, Barber MD, Xu X, Kenton K, Nager CW, Schaffer J, Visco A, Weber A, for the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. Outcomes following vaginal prolapse repair and mid urethral sling (OPUS) trial - design and methods. Clinical Trials 2009;6(2):162-171.
  • Xu X, Siefert KA, Jacobson PD, Lori JR, Ransom SB. The effects of medical liability on obstetric care supply in Michigan. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2008;198(2):205.e1-9.
  • Xu X, Patel DA, Vahratian A, Ransom SB. Insurance coverage and health care use among near-elderly women. Women’s Health Issues 2006;16(3):139-148.

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