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.

Whole-body MRI provider Prenuvo launches annual imaging subscription service
The Redwood City, California-based startup announced the move Monday, with its Core Membership starting at $1,199 annually
Health system touts $7M expansion of molecular imaging department, ER
Leaders at the Utah hospital are hopeful the newly updated PET offerings will help patients seek treatment locally, avoiding long travel times.
New business model helps private cardiology practices stay independent
The new approach allows private practices to expand and evolve without being acquired.
FTC homes in on healthcare
The federal regulatory agency that exists to protect consumers and promote competition across the economy is newly focused on patients and clinicians as well as taxpayers.
Former ACA Marketplace enrollee: ‘This is ridiculous—$1,200 and an $8,000 deductible for a healthy person. Really?’
A new KFF survey shows almost 10% of people who had an Obamacare Marketplace plan in 2025 decided to head into 2026 with no coverage at all. Another 28% re-enrolled but with a different—presumably lesser—plan.

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American College of Radiology asks CMS to create new alternative payment pathway for high-value AI

ACR’s June comments come in response to the 2025 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System rule released by CMS in April.

There has been a growing shortage of cardiologists the past several years, but this has accelerated due to burnout from the pandemic, falling reimbursements and increasing administrative burdens. This prompted a joint session on this topic with the ACC and the Heart Rhythm Society at HRS 2024, with ACC President Cathie Biga, MSN, FACC, president and CEO of Cardiovascular Management of Illinois, former ACC president Ed Fry, MD, chair of the Ascension National Cardiovascular Service Line, and EP Parin Patel.

Addressing staffing shortages in cardiology

ACC President Cathie Biga, MSN, RN, Edward Fry, MD, and electrophysiologist Parin Patel, MD, discuss the growing cardiologist shortage.

Insurers eventually approve most denials, though payer-mandated changes may be compromising care

Across over 200 radiation therapy denials at a single institution, 98% eventually led to the delivery of RT with delays sometimes as long as 49 days.

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Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

Radiologists among top specialists with wealth over $5M. How are they spending it?

About 31% of radiologists surveyed said they have attained this level of income, placing the specialty in a tie for No. 2 with gastroenterology.

Biden administration proposes banning medical bills from credit reports

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also wants to stop credit reporting companies from sharing medical debt information with lenders, among other changes.

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US healthcare is flush with venture investments in AI: Silicon Valley Bank report

The past five years have been boom times for AI startups courting venture investors in healthcare, and the good times just keep rolling.

Congress reintroduces radiologist-supported bill aimed at curbing prior authorization

Over 370 organizations support the legislation including the American College of Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology and the Association of Academic Radiology.

Economics

Whole-body MRI provider Prenuvo launches annual imaging subscription service

Health system touts $7M expansion of molecular imaging department, ER

New business model helps private cardiology practices stay independent

FTC homes in on healthcare

Former ACA Marketplace enrollee: ‘This is ridiculous—$1,200 and an $8,000 deductible for a healthy person. Really?’