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.

Rethinking contrast media deployment could save healthcare system billions
“By integrating ICM stewardship into clinical practice and strategic planning, radiology can take meaningful steps to leading healthcare sustainability efforts," experts write in JACR.
Hospital giant expands homegrown outpatient imaging center chain into new state
Intermountain's Tellica Imaging is opening three new locations across Washington state in partnership with 13-hospital, Tacoma-based MultiCare Health System.
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.

Akumin’s creditors reportedly lawyer up; radiology provider may face delisting from Nasdaq

Some noteholders to Akumin have organized with debt restructuring law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Bloomberg Law reported Sept. 7

Medtronic faces lawsuit for sharing data of customers who used the InPen smartphone app

Medtronic faces class-action lawsuit after patient data shared with Google, other third-party sites

The complaint describes Medtronic's actions as “immoral, unethical, oppressive and unscrupulous.”

High profits, consistent growth: Shockwave Medical seen as a ‘must-buy’ stock

Shockwave and two other healthcare companies in the cardiovascular health space are considered attractive options for investors looking to expand their portfolios.

CMS kick-starts key piece of IDR process under surprise billing law

The federal agency first announced the move Tuesday, noting that it pertains to single and bundled payment disputes submitted on or before Aug. 3.

House leaders reveal ‘major’ healthcare bill that includes radiologist-opposed Imaging Services Price Transparency Act

The rule would establish a list of “at least 50” shoppable radiology exams for which providers must publicly disclose pricing on their websites.

Philips will pay $479M to settle class-action lawsuit stemming from product recall

The Amsterdam-based imaging industry giant emphasized that the agreement “does not include or constitute any admission of liability, wrongdoing or fault.”

Joint Commission’s Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation process called ‘costly, ineffective and potentially harmful’

Hospitals spent recurring labor costs per provider of about $50.20, extrapolated for a total national cost of roughly $78.54M, experts wrote in JACR.

Abbott inks deal to acquire insulin management specialists

Abbott has agreed to acquire Bigfoot Biomedical, a California-based healthcare technology company focused on diabetes care.

Economics

Rethinking contrast media deployment could save healthcare system billions

Hospital giant expands homegrown outpatient imaging center chain into new state

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