News

math billing confusion
What has AI done for healthcare administration lately?

Administrative AI can meaningfully cut providers’ price tags on prior authorization processes. Yet the technology is not doing much to reduce overall system-level costs. And it tends to increase billing intensity, inflating medical spending as it does so. 

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) is entering a new chapter as Dawn Abbott, MD, MSCAI, who assumeed the presidency this week with a focus on strengthening the future of interventional cardiology through workforce development, expanded training pathways and continued efforts to broaden inclusion in the specialty. #SCAI2026 #SCAI26
New SCAI President Dawn Abbott outlines workforce, training and inclusion priorities

SCAI President Dawn Abbott, MD, MSCAI, aims to turn attention toward the long-term sustainability of the interventional cardiology field.

medical debt past due
Medical debt vs. Medicaid expansion: One state has a clear winner

Researchers found enrollment correlated with big reductions in medical debt as signaled by collections activity and subprime credit scores.

FDA recall medical device recall product recall
Boston Scientific pacemakers recalled again—software update now available

The new Class I recall, which includes more than 1.4 million devices, is related to an issue first announced back in 2024. Updating the software should address the issue going forward, though some patients may still require an early replacement. 

Cordis acquires MedAlliance, known for its drug-eluting balloon technology, in deal that could surpass $1B
Fewer stents, positive outcomes: Sirolimus-eluting balloons a safe alternative during PCI

Using a DCB that releases sirolimus over an extended period of time appears to be both safe and effective when treating patients who present with NSTEMI or unstable angina.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs) have become the wonder drug not only of weight loss, but also for improving cardiovascular health in a growing number of positive cardiovascular trials. The latest study of more than 13,000 patients presented at Heart Rhythm 2026 this week showed the GLP-1 reduce atrial fibrillation (AFib) and survival, even after accounting for the drug’s impact on weight loss.
Multiple GLP-1 drugs linked to lower AFib risk

The popular drugs, originally developed to treat diabetes, were also associated with an improved survival rate. Benefits were seen in patients who did and did not lose significant weight as a result of treatment. 

Medicare Advantage
Lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to speed up prior authorization in Medicare Advantage

Several healthcare stakeholders have voiced their support for the effort, including the Medical Group Management Association. 

Thumbnail
Radiologists among docs most optimistic about profession’s short-term future

However, radiology dropped to 18th on the list of specialists when asked how they feel about their profession’s long-term future, according to new survey data from Medscape. 

Federal Trade Comission FTC Sign logo
FTC shuts down alleged health insurance fraud scheme involving the sale of low-quality plans

The owners of several telemarketing companies, along with the organizations themselves, have been named as defendants in a federal lawsuit. The Federal Trade Commission alleges that the group would sell bundled services as supposed “PPO” plans, leaving patients to discover that services were not covered. 

hospital nurse and patient
Prime places to work as a nurse in 2026

Like a mirror image on a USA map folded in half vertically, the four best states for nurses are two nextdoor neighbors in the upper Northeast and two in the Pacific Northwest. 

Example of a RF burn from an MRI scan where a sedated patient's identification bracelet was touching their skin during an exam. Image courtesy of RSNA. https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/radiol.09090637
FDA: CVS and MediHoney wound gels recalled after 14 serious injuries

The wound and burn gels are manufactured by Integra LifeSciences. Defective packaging could cause the sterile barrier to fail, exposing the gels to pathogens. Due to the risk of severe infections, all recalled products must be removed from where they are used and sold. 

skyscrapers
5 reasons not to (solely) blame insurance companies for what ails US healthcare

As this midterm-election year barrels toward decision day, health insurers continue taking punches from both political parties. The piling-on might be as unfair as it is understandable.  

Around the web

Health Exec
What has AI done for healthcare administration lately?

Administrative AI can meaningfully cut providers’ price tags on prior authorization processes. Yet the technology is not doing much to reduce overall system-level costs. And it tends to increase billing intensity, inflating medical spending as it does so. 

Design by Adaptive Theme