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.

Medicaid and SNAP cuts could lead to 1.2M lost jobs by 2029, report finds

The healthcare sector will suffer the most if the federal Medicaid cuts proposed in Congress are enacted, the Commonwealth Fund said. According to the group’s analysis, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics could be forced to shut their doors.

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Hospital redesigns radiology 2nd opinion service, scoring 92% collection success rate

OSU Medical Center has addressed common challenges including insufficient documentation, miscommunication, and the risk of repeat imaging.

Senate reconciliation bill blunts tax change radiologists say could harm private practices

"We were pleased to see a partial restoration of the PTET deduction, but we will continue to fight for the full deduction before the bill reaches the president’s desk," one lobbyist tells Radiology Business.

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Major health insurers agree to reduce prior authorization burden for imaging and other services

AHIP, the industry’s largest lobbying group, made the commitment Monday alongside over 50 payers including UnitedHealthcare and the BCBS Association.

Radiology Partners constrained by high interest expenses, low cash-flow generation: S&P

UPDATED: The analysis comes in response to a proposed $1.5 billion term loan for RP, due in 2032, along with $800 million in secured notes and a $390 million revolving credit line.

Private equity-backed radiology groups expand in 2 markets

Solis Mammography is adding a new location in Washington, D.C., while US Radiology Specialists is building two in South Carolina.

Report: Medicaid cuts could force hundreds of rural hospitals to close their doors

A report from the Chartis Center for Rural Health warns that many hospitals in rural communities are at risk of closure if Medicaid cuts pass through Congress and are enacted by President Donald Trump. According to the analysis, women and newborns will disproportionately lose access to care.

prior authorization claim deny denial insurance insurer payer Medicare Advantage

Physicians speak out against payers’ growing use of AI to deny imaging requests

Heart imaging specialists contend that the deployment of artificial intelligence "is making the issue of prior authorization worse, not better."

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