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.

Medtronic’s diabetes spin-off gets a name, kicking off ‘new and exciting chapter’
The new name will be familiar to anyone who knows the history of Medtronic's diabetes business.
UnitedHealthcare caves to pressure, exempting some imaging services from cost-cutting program
The country’s largest insurer launched its Designated Diagnostic Provider program in 2022, steering beneficiaries to imaging centers that meet quality and efficiency requirements.
A new payer tactic: Using AI to curtail routine radiology claims, after imaging is already delivered
“Unlike [prior authorization], this model does not delay patient care and does not hold members liable to pay for unneeded exams,” writes radiologist Mark Hiatt, MD, MBA.
Smaller revenues, less growth: In US, tariffs may create headaches for $34.5B cardiovascular device market
“Without a more concrete and stable policy on these tariffs from the current American administration, it is likely that most manufacturers will be forced to continuously change their internal forecasts and production plans," one analyst said.
State passes ‘1st in nation’ bill to block corporate control of radiology practices
Gov. Tina Kotek signed the measure into law on Monday, June 9, over the objection of opponents such as Amazon and the Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.

Radiologists at a clear disadvantage in Medicare’s MIPS program, new study shows

In 2021, there were only nine available MIPS measures for diagnostic radiology versus 65 in family medicine, Neiman Health Policy Institute experts report.

RadNet seeks to refinance $679M term loan, fuel future ‘growth opportunities’

“Our recent strong operating results, successful public offering and upgrade of our corporate credit rating have substantially lowered our leverage and improved our access to capital,” the company's CFO said.

Amyloid blood test could eliminate millions in spending on PET imaging for Alzheimer’s

At roughly $5,000 per positron emission tomography exam, experts estimate the U.S. healthcare system could save $9 million (or about $1,432 per patient) on imaging.

GenAI-focused market researchers: ‘The payer–provider divide is wide and has dangerous implications’

Providers and payers disagree on a lot of things. But the camps are united in their appreciation of workers who have skills relevant to advancing GenAI in healthcare.

Unable to find a buyer, multispecialty radiology provider closes

Hospital group Intermountain hoped to sell Saltzer Health but instead opted to shutter the physician group while retaining its imaging center in Meridian, Idaho.

GE HealthCare finalizes acquisition of Cleveland-based provider of AI imaging-analysis software

The company plans to integrate MIM Software's radiology and nuclear medicine solutions into its advanced-visualization product line.

The 10 most and least expensive states for healthcare consumers

Going by the price of being a patient, North Carolina and Hawaii bookend the other 48 states.

venture capital corporate suit business corporatization

Radiologists ponder private equity in medicine: ‘Why aren’t we more concerned?’

Leah Davis, DO, and Sharon D'Souza MD, shared their thoughts in a piece published by Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology.

Economics

Medtronic’s diabetes spin-off gets a name, kicking off ‘new and exciting chapter’

UnitedHealthcare caves to pressure, exempting some imaging services from cost-cutting program

A new payer tactic: Using AI to curtail routine radiology claims, after imaging is already delivered

Smaller revenues, less growth: In US, tariffs may create headaches for $34.5B cardiovascular device market

State passes ‘1st in nation’ bill to block corporate control of radiology practices