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.

US Radiology Specialists announces name change

Leaders with the Raleigh, North Carolina-based radiology group said the change comes as the practice continues pursuing expansion through "de novo" imaging centers.

mergers and acquisitions M&A consolidation puzzle business deal

Private equity-backed Premier Radiology Services acquires another rival telerad group

The Deerfield Beach, Florida-based company is adding MetisMD, “a highly regarded teleradiology provider with deep expertise in musculoskeletal imaging.”

Lawmakers propose allowing radiologists to own hospitals, drawing ire from industry lobbying group

“Patients should have the freedom to choose the highest quality care available, and physicians should be allowed to provide it,” said Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas.

Medical malpractice lawsuits are rare in sports cardiology—but they can cost providers millions

When doctors are accused of mishandling the heart health of a young athlete, it occasionally ends up being settled in a courtroom.

Rural patients less likely to undergo PET imaging for prostate cancer

Experts suggest possible remedies to this disparity, including mobile PET units or establishing hub-and-spoke care models.

Radiology practice SimonMed Imaging touts launch of 2 new AI services with out-of-pocket charges

The more advanced Mammogram+ Heart costs $90 and uses breast images to assess women's heart health.

What’s in the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’—and what was left out?

Sweeping tax cuts and reduced spending on Medicaid and SNAP were signed into law by President Donald Trump. However, a key provision that would have paused new AI regulations was removed by the Senate.

President Trump finalizes spending bill with 2.5% rad pay bump, but no inflation-based Medicare reform

The bill also includes some $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, with nearly 12 million kicked off insurance, drawing criticism from the American Medical Association and hospital lobbying groups.

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