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.

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Society of Interventional Radiology urges UHC to update policy on radioembolization treatment

SIR contends that payments toward transarterial radioembolization (TARE)/selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) should extend beyond the current coverage limitations in patients with liver cancer and metastases. 

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Novel CT power-save mode could cut nationwide CT costs by $1.5M

Investigators with University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, recently explored the use of a “promising” new option that reduces energy consumption during brief, inter-examination idle intervals. 

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Medicare MRI reimbursement has plummeted 77% since 2003, when adjusting for inflation

Exams are being delivered faster, thanks to abbreviated protocols, but experts contend insurers should not cut MRI pay because of such efficiencies. 

Rad Partners commercializes teleradiology platform pioneered by acquired company vRad

The product is a fully integrated, artificial intelligence-enabled technology tool, providing real-time analytics to interested outside radiology groups.

Optum UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealth Group HQ

UnitedHealthcare reimburses its Optum providers at a 17% premium, study finds

The findings are from research conducted by the Commonwealth Fund that looked at nationwide provider reimbursement data. While the sample size is small, it shows the insurer tends to favor its own doctors.

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5 healthcare industry giants funnel over $333M in research payments to radiologists

Merck was the No. 1 funder for radiologists, contributing nearly $108 million in payments, followed by imaging manufacturer Siemens Healthineers ($64 million) and drugmaker Novartis ($57 million). 

NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals investing $20M to expand radiology services across city

The country’s largest municipal healthcare system aims to bring imaging services "directly into the community" to eliminate barriers to care, reduce wait times and detect diseases earlier.  
 

Report: CMS sent states lists of names for impromptu Medicaid eligibility check

President Donald Trump’s administration wants states to check to see if hundreds of thousands of residents are enrolled in Medicaid illegally. CMS provided a specific list of people it suspects are undocumented.