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.

Provider participation in Medicare rose 6.3% over ten years, peaking in 2019
A new study published in JAMA, which looked at fee-for-service Medicare records from 2013–2023, found that overall participation has trended upward. However, the details paint a complicated picture.
Report: ACA premiums to jump 30%, CMS documents show
The Washington Post reported that it reviewed documents from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, confirming that the cost of medical coverage is set to spike for 17 million Americans. Open enrollment for coverage through Affordable Care Act exchanges begins on Nov. 1.
PSMA-PET imaging not the most cost-effective option for many prostate cancer patients
The exam effectively helps providers manage patients’ treatment options, but for some, the costs associated with those treatments may negate the value of its findings.
Radiology groups rail against additional tariffs on imaging devices
RSNA, RadNet, the RBMA and Japanese imaging leaders all recently spoke out against the possibility of more fees on device imports.
Proposed tax on billionaires in California would generate $100B for Medicaid, backers say
The ballot measure was recently sent to the state attorney general’s office for approval. Once cleared, supporters can begin collecting signatures for its inclusion in the 2026 elections. The proposed law has the backing of one of the largest labor unions in the state.

American College of Radiology criticizes BCBS affiliate’s reimbursement policy change

Effective Feb. 1, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is no longer issuing separate payment for 3D rendering of imaging services (covered by CPT codes 76376 and 76377).

Ultrasound after negative CT scan offers little benefit in emergency gynecological care

“Clinicians should carefully weigh the additional resource utilization against the potential benefit," Yale University emergency medicine experts write in JACR.

Pioneering private practice and its 68 physicians join Strategic Radiology

North Carolina-based Eastern Radiologists announced the move on Tuesday, marking the 46th practice to join SR and eighth in the Tar Heel State.

Founder and CEO Priit Salumaa better medicine

Radiology AI startup Better Medicine balloons fundraising to nearly $7M

The company operates across six countries with plans to enter the U.S., offering its flagship BMVision Kidney, helping to detect malignant lesions in the organ.

cleveland clinic settles for failing to disclose research funding

Average malpractice insurance payout for diagnostic errors in physician offices: $661,000

Cancer is by far the most commonly overlooked diagnosis at 45%, followed by infections (14%), vascular issues (7%) and cardiac concerns, according to new research.

healthcare quality imaging appropriateness clinical decision support CDS checklist

CMS responds to criticism of pay model targeting ‘wasteful and inappropriate’ radiology services

The agency recently issued a frequently asked questions fact sheet about the WISeR model days after House Democrats expressed concern about the initiative.

Quadrant Private Equity firm acquires imaging center network for over $130M

Founded in 2018, Carlisle Health operates a platform of 24 imaging centers, employing a staff of more than 500, including 70 radiologists.

Anders Gilberg, MGA, senior vice president, government affairs at Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), shares concerns about the draft fee schedule published in July. A major concern is the government possibly changing how relative value units (RVUs) are set, rather than allowing the American Medical Association and medical speciality representatives having a say. #MGMA

MGMA warns of government overreach in the proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

The Medical Group Management Association shares concerns about the draft fee schedule published in July. A major concern is the government possibly changing how RVUs are set, rather than allowing the medical specialty representatives to have a say.

Economics

Provider participation in Medicare rose 6.3% over ten years, peaking in 2019

Report: ACA premiums to jump 30%, CMS documents show

PSMA-PET imaging not the most cost-effective option for many prostate cancer patients

Radiology groups rail against additional tariffs on imaging devices

Proposed tax on billionaires in California would generate $100B for Medicaid, backers say