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.

Duke Health, Aetna reach agreement to keep members in-network
The new contract was signed just ahead of the Oct. 20 deadline. The insurer and academic health system were in dispute over reimbursement rates. The exact terms of the new multi-year agreement are unknown.
ACC and AHA outline calculation of cost-effectiveness in clinical practice guidelines
Healthcare's cost-conscious environment prompted the ACC and AHA to develop a statement on the value methodology to be used when creating clinical practice guidelines.
Emergency departments’ use of CT imaging has increased substantially since 2013
This uptick was attributed to more scans being administered per ED visit, rather than a rise in overall patient volumes, an analysis of Medicare data found.
SCAI outlines broken Medicaid reimbursement model for congenital heart disease
SCAI says many children and adults living with congenital heart disease are being left behind by a payment system that does not adequately value their care.
Department of Commerce launches investigation into imaging device imports, with potential for new tariffs
Authorities are seeking to determine the impact on national security of importing CT scanners, MRI machines, X-ray apparatuses and other radiologic equipment.

Technologists shouldn’t be alone when administering contrast for remote imaging scans, radiology groups say

One imaging policy expert called this stance from ACR and ASRT a “devastating blow” to physician offices and independent diagnostic testing facilities who use virtual supervision for Medicare patients.

Father-son scan startup Maui Imaging balloons fundraising to $40M

Founded in 2006 by Don and Dave Specht, the Arizona company’s computed “echo tomography” product uses sound waves to cross through body barriers for “rapid and effective imaging.”

Alan Matsumoto, MD, FSIR, FACR, FAHA, Chairman of Board for the American College of Radiology, professor of radiology and chair of the Department of Radiology, at the University of Virginia, explains ACR support for the Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act bill in Congress that calls for appropriate use criteria to be used instead of prior authorization.

ACR supports bringing back clinical decision support to combat prior authorizations

Alan Matsumoto, MD, chair of the American College of Radiology, explains ACR support for the Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act in Congress.

GE Healthcare's Venue Go point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) system features AI-enabled tools to speed workflows, including Caption Guidance to help non-expert users capture diagnostic quality cardiac images. These systems helped drive positive earnings for the company in Q2 2025.

Despite tariffs, GE HealthCare sees sales growth in imaging systems and radiopharmaceuticals

Lower than expected tariff rates and the largest-ever order for Omni Legend PET/CT systems in the U.S. helped keep the bottom line positive.

Private radiology practice says UnitedHealthcare ‘unwilling to compromise’ in contract negotiations

Radiologist Andrew Hill, MD, says the insurer refuses to reimburse for services in Chattanooga at the same rate as other Tennessee communities such as Memphis and Nashville.

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

Private equity firm HCAP Partners acquires another radiology services provider

Its imaging platform, Integrated Diagnostic Services, is adding Community of Nevada Diagnostics, a “leading” mobile radiology outfit.

Siemens Healthineers signs $50M value partnership with state’s largest hospital system

The deal is with Greenville-based Prisma Health and includes acquiring the Ethos radiotherapy system from subsidiary company Varian

Artificial heart developer gains key approval as money troubles continue

Carmat is working to overcome financial struggles that forced it to suspend new device implants through the end of August. Even with its future in limbo, the company remains focused on moving forward.

Economics

Duke Health, Aetna reach agreement to keep members in-network

ACC and AHA outline calculation of cost-effectiveness in clinical practice guidelines

Emergency departments’ use of CT imaging has increased substantially since 2013

SCAI outlines broken Medicaid reimbursement model for congenital heart disease

Department of Commerce launches investigation into imaging device imports, with potential for new tariffs