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.

Radiologists 2nd among specialties with highest on-call pay

Members of the specialty collect an average of about $1,845 in per-day call pay, behind only neurosurgeons ($2,045) and ahead of pathologists ($1,700).

GE HealthCare mulls multibillion-dollar sale of China business line: Report

The Chicago-based imaging giant has consulted with advisors about options to unload the division,
Bloomberg first reported Thursday.

money maze benjamin franklin reimbursement medicare

Radiologists and other docs express growing frustration with Merit-based Incentive Payment System

Over 30 medical societies including the American College of Radiology recently wrote to CMS Administrator Mehmet C. Oz, MD, MBA, to voice their concerns.

Company building novel portable stroke MR imaging platform seeks investors

New Zealand-based Wellumio in January announced its expansion into the U.S., laying the groundwork for local clinical trials to test its device.

Referrers frequently failing to recommend patients for key interventional radiology procedure

An analysis of nearly 272,000 uterine fibroid healthcare encounters shows that only about 4% of women underwent uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive IR treatment option.

WSJ: UnitedHealth seeks meeting with Trump as part of lobbying effort

The Wall Street Journal said that President Donald Trump has yet to meet with company representatives. However, UnitedHealth CEO Stephen Hemsley reportedly met with members of the administration in Washington.

MGMA's Anders Gilberg says Congress needs to act soon to preserve access to telemedicine programs.

MGMA: Congress needs to act soon to preserve access to telemedicine programs

Congress needs to act soon to extend telemedicine services that were greatly expanded under COVID provisions, or they will expire by October. Anders Gilberg, senior vice president of government affairs at the Medical Group Management Association, explains concerns raised by doctors and lawmakers.

Noted radiologist partners with urology practice coalition, expanding access to IR services nationwide

The Urology Management Alliance is teaming with IR Centers, a platform company dedicated to offering minimally invasive procedures in outpatient settings.

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