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.

CMS unveils $50 GLP-1 prescriptions for Medicare patients
The agency said the new program, made possible by Medicare Part D, begins on July 1 and will extend until the end of 2027. For $50 a month, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to access popular weight loss drugs, in hopes they will improve overall health.
Upfront costs of robotic heart surgery are high—but it may be a smart investment
Makoto Hashimoto, MD, PhD, said robotic procedures are associated with a faster recovery time and many other potential benefits.
Physician and his practice to pay $6.7M for allegedly performing unnecessary vascular procedures
The physician was accused of pressuring Medicare patients into undergoing treatment they did not need. One patient allegedly received 42 different stents over an eight-year period.
Radiologists speak out against whole-body MRI screening in prominent editorial
Matthew S. Davenport, MD, MBA, and Scott B. Reeder, MD, PhD, made their plea to patients and providers in an opinion piece published May 6 in JAMA.
UnitedHealthcare looks to reduce prior authorizations by 30% before end of 2026
The insurance arm of UnitedHealth Group said the shift is part of its ongoing effort to eliminate the barriers between care delivery and medical coverage. The full list of services exempt from prior authorizations includes diagnostic tests and many outpatient surgeries.

In-house radiology 3D printing could produce significant savings.

In-house radiology 3D printing could slash costs by up to 70% per model

A 3D printer investment could "pay for itself after just a few prints,” new data suggest.

AI's biggest return on investment currently comes in the form of time

Artificial Intelligence offers organizations value that extends beyond just payments, new survey data suggest.

Arnold Seto, MD, MPA, FACC, FSCAI, cath lab director, Long Beach VA Medical Center, professor of medicine at Charles Drew University, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) treasurer and chair of the SCAI Advocacy Committee, explains the new CPT reimbursement codes being introduced in January 2026 and their impact on practice.

CPT code updates in 2026 will change how interventional cardiologists get paid

A variety of CPT code changes take effect in 2026, and many of them will make a direct impact on interventional cardiology. Arnold Seto, MD, spoke to Cardiovascular Business about these updates for a new video interview.

Rad Partners affiliate Empire State Radiology inks in-network deal with Cigna

Located in the Long Island community of Rockville Centre, New York, ESR’s new agreement spans multiple years, beginning on Nov. 15.

Choon-Sik Jhun, MS, PhD, from Penn State

Researchers receive $3.2M in federal funding to test new heart pump for children

The device, currently just a prototype, could be the first of its kind to gain FDA approval.

radiologist radiology pay compensation money dollar

Most organizations using AI for radiology are unsure of its ROI

New survey data suggest that AI reimbursement is still lagging. However, leaders remain confident in the technology's long-term impact.

Edwards Lifesciences shares positive outlook for 2026, pointing to continued importance of TAVR

The company expects TAVR sales alone to be as high as $4.9 billion in 2026. Other minimally invasive therapies are projected to make a major impact as well.

Radiology vendor Agfa to eliminate 145 positions amid continued declines in film business

The move is part of over $29 million (USD) in cost reductions, revealed last month during the Belgium-based company's quarterly earnings announcement.

Economics

CMS unveils $50 GLP-1 prescriptions for Medicare patients

Upfront costs of robotic heart surgery are high—but it may be a smart investment

Physician and his practice to pay $6.7M for allegedly performing unnecessary vascular procedures

Radiologists speak out against whole-body MRI screening in prominent editorial

UnitedHealthcare looks to reduce prior authorizations by 30% before end of 2026