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.

SCAI highlights the benefits of ICE-guided structural heart interventions
ICE is gaining momentum as a helpful imaging option during structural heart interventions, according to a new SCAI position statement. TEE and TTE remain incredibly important, but there are times when ICE can provide the guidance necessary.
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.

Lawmakers propose ‘gold card’ program that exempts physicians from prior authorization requirements

Experts said that radiologists, along with others who order imaging, stand to benefit from the bipartisan proposal.

Medicare spent upward of $3.8B on low-value imaging and cancer screenings in 1 year: MedPAC

“Imaging for nonspecific low back pain” was listed as the most frequently occurring low-value service, impacting upward of 9.3% of beneficiaries.

ACR estimates diagnostic radiology will face 4% Medicare cut, absent congressional action

The college issued a detailed breakdown of the 2024 MPFS, offering insight into the “complex” formula for how much the specialty stands to lose.

EHR nudge helps health system drop use of unnecessary lumbar X-rays by 53%

Researchers with NYC Health + Hospitals detailed their large-scale quality improvement project in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

artificial intelligence money finance acquisition

RapidAI raises $75M in series C financing

The San Mateo, California-based startup said the money will help it tackle more diseases and add further functions to the company's platform.

American College of Radiology opposes focus of US House bill aimed at increasing imaging price transparency

Rep. Mike Carey introduced the Imaging Services Price Transparency Act July 25, hoping to better inform patients about services provided by the specialty.

More cardiology groups step forward with concerns about Medicare payment cuts

The CardioVascular Coalition and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions have both issued new statements highlighting their issues with the 2024 MPFS proposed rule.

Demand for imaging to swell after approval of new Alzheimer’s drug, GE HealthCare predicts

"We believe that this is a pretty profound growth opportunity across the space," CEO Peter Arduini told investors during a Q2 earnings call.

Economics

SCAI highlights the benefits of ICE-guided structural heart interventions

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