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.

Cross-sectional imaging ordered downstream for just 15% of emergency POCUS patients

Using point-of-care ultrasound in emergency settings does not lead to overutilization of follow-up imaging with cross-sectional CT, MRI or additional ultrasounds. 

Be prepared: IV contrast media shortage could last up to 8 weeks

All formulations and concentrations of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque (iohexol) are expected to be in short supply until mid-June due to COVID lockdowns where the contrast is manufactured.

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Alice L. Walton Foundation to help launch new health system

The Alice L. Walton Foundation has teamed up with Washington Regional Medical System to create a new health system in Northwest Arkansas. Alice Walton is the only daughter of Sam Walton, who founded Walmart.

Engagement down among healthcare workers

Amid a tight labor market and nationwide labor shortage, healthcare organizations already have their work cut out when it comes to filling vacant roles and retaining staff. 

Hospital finance

Margins are improving, but hospitals face a long road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic

Hospital and health systems saw incremental economic improvements in March, with rising margins and fewer COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. 

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Unpaid student loan debt is bad for the heart

An American Journal of Preventive Medicine study highlights higher rates of cardiovascular disease for adults who fail to pay down student debt.

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FDA clears spinal-tap test that could challenge PET in Alzheimer’s diagnostics

The FDA has approved a lab test for evaluating cognitively impaired adults who may be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Foot ultrasound bested foot MRI on pooled sensitivity while lagging on specificity

MRI beats ultrasound at grading common foot injury, but tables turn for up-or-down diagnostics

Injuries of the plantar plate—the cluster of ligaments underneath the four smaller “knuckles” of the toes—are better assessed with MRI than with ultrasound scans.