Economics

This channel highlights factors that impact hospital and healthcare economics and revenue. This includes news on healthcare policies, reimbursement, marketing, business plans, mergers and acquisitions, supply chain, salaries, staffing, and the implementation of a cost-effective environment for patients and providers.

Steve MacMillan Hologic

Hologic to acquire developer of ultrasound imaging device for $350M

Gynesonics is the creator of the Sonata System, which is the first FDA-cleared device for diagnosis and treatment of certain symptomatic fibroids. 

DirectMed Imaging

Private equity firm acquires radiology parts and services provider DirectMed Imaging

After acquiring the Poway, California, company in 2021, NMS Capital is now selling off its stake to fellow PE group Frazier Healthcare Partners. 

Example of an automated artificial intelligence (AI) assessment of soft coronary plaque from a CT scan from the vendor Cleerly. The AI gives a very detailed report of all the plaque in all the coronary vessels. Some cardiology experts believe this may be the way of the future in screening patients for early coronary disease and monitoring the impact of prevention efforts such as statins to determine if more aggressive treatments are needed.

Medicare administrative contractors approve coverage of AI-enabled quantitative CT

Four of the seven Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) announced they will now cover artificial intelligence-enabled quantitative coronary tomography (AI-QCT) and coronary plaque analysis (AI-CPA). 

Employee parking lot is a sea of mud and storm debris at the the Baxter North Cove facility. Photo by Aerial Lens.

Baxter begins importing IV supplies as 86% of providers report shortages

Hurricane Helene severely damaged Baxter's plant near Asheville, North Carolina, leading to a nationwide shortage of IV fluid bags. 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis

CMS updates Medicare coverage for AI-powered coronary plaque assessments

The new policy goes into effect in November, improving Medicare coverage for a technology that has rapidly gained momentum in recent years.

Humana

Radiology groups express ‘profound objection’ to Humana labeling interventional service as ‘unproven’

The Society of Interventional Radiology and others are concerned about commercial plan coverage for closed-loop spinal cord stimulation, a key pain-management technique. 

Elizabeth Warren

Members of Congress introduce bill to halt private equity ‘looting’ of healthcare entities

The Stop Wall Street Looting Act closes regulatory loopholes and ends incentives that allow investors to “pillage” acquired businesses, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and colleagues note.  

mammography mammogram breast imaging

US Radiology Specialists expands pipeline for attracting techs amid ‘critical shortage’

The Raleigh, North Carolina, imaging group is broadening the reach of its Technologist Advancement Academy, which provides specialized training and career pathways for employees.