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.

White House releases 2026 ‘skinny budget’ calling for $33B in cuts to HHS
The proposal would cut funds to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. However, no reduction was suggested for the Food and Drug Administration.
US Radiology Specialists to construct 12 ‘de novo’ outpatient imaging centers in 2025
Of the dozen new centers built this year, 5 are through hospital joint venture partnerships, US Radiology said, adding to its total of 183 centers in 13 states.
American College of Radiology urges rads to report supply chain issues
ACR’s request comes amid ongoing trade wars and new tariffs placed on imaging products.
Startup seeking to make MRI ‘10 times less expensive’ raises $17M
Paris, France-based Chipiron will use the Series A financing to build a prototype of its portable machine, hoping to launch clinical trials in 2026.
AHA warns ‘perfect storm’ threatens hospitals with rising costs, reimbursement cuts
In a new report, the AHA said strains from President Trump’s tariffs and struggles with Medicare Advantage plans are creating “financial headwinds” that could shake the economic stability of hospitals nationwide.

Walmart rolling out ‘state-of-the-art’ health centers with imaging, Epic EHR integration

Along with X-rays, the new outposts will also offer primary care, lab work, EKGs, behavioral health, dental, optical, and hearing services, all for a flat fee, the retailer reported.

UnitedHealth, Change Healthcare extend merger agreement, adding $650M breakup fee if DOJ suit prevails

The two companies said the agreement reflects their commitment to combining and desire to fight the Department of Justice's "meritless legal challenge to this merger."

Advocate Aurora acquires MobileHelp

Advocate Aurora Enterprises, the investment arm of Wisconsin- and Illinois-based health system Aurora Advocate, has acquired remote patient monitoring provider MobileHelp.

Virtual behavioral health company Brightline raises $105 million to expand

Virtual behavioral health company Brightline has raised $105 million in a Series C funding round, with the aim of expanding its services and partnerships.

S&P downgrades radiology provider Envision Healthcare, citing ongoing cash crunch

Analysts expect the Nashville, Tennessee-based physician firm's liquidity position to "meaningfully deteriorate" over the next year under its current operating structure.

Medical image-sharing startup PocketHealth balloons fundraising to nearly $23M

Founded in 2016, the company offers what it believes is the first “patient-centric” solution allowing consumers to instantly access their images.

Moody’s upgrades RadNet’s outlook to ‘positive’ amid full recovery from COVID-19, improved financials

Analysts highlighted the imaging giant's “strong” competitive position, multifaceted revenue streams through the delivery of various imaging modalities, and payer diversity.

CVS settles opioid case with Florida for $484M

CVS Health has settled with the state of Florida for $484 million to resolve claims for opioid medications filled at CVS pharmacies.

Economics

White House releases 2026 ‘skinny budget’ calling for $33B in cuts to HHS

US Radiology Specialists to construct 12 ‘de novo’ outpatient imaging centers in 2025

American College of Radiology urges rads to report supply chain issues

Startup seeking to make MRI ‘10 times less expensive’ raises $17M

AHA warns ‘perfect storm’ threatens hospitals with rising costs, reimbursement cuts