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.

President Trump finalizes spending bill with 2.5% rad pay bump, but no inflation-based Medicare reform
The bill also includes some $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, with nearly 12 million kicked off insurance, drawing criticism from the American Medical Association and hospital lobbying groups.
Radiology among specialties seeing greatest year-over-year gains in compensation: AMGA
Experts believe the data signal a continuing shortage of physicians across radiology and other specialties.
Strategic Radiology expands to 25th state with addition of Alaska Imaging
Based in Anchorage, the state’s largest community, the 25-year-old practice employs 20 board-certified radiologists delivering diagnostic and interventional services.
Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact
The 940-page document passed the House of Representatives in a 218 to 214 vote, and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk. It contains a 20% cut to federal Medicaid funding, something Trump said he opposes.
Doc groups say payer promises not enough to address care denials
MGMA and others who are part of the “Regulatory Relief Coalition” are urging Congress to continue pushing forward with the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.

Imaging group Rezolut opens 26th center with more to come via Providence partnership

The 51-hospital industry giant first partnered with Rezolut in August 2020, and the two plan to launch several more outposts through their joint venture.

Pharmacist gets 5 years in prison for $180M insurance fraud scam

David “Jason” Rutland paid kickbacks to distributors for prescription referrals that were medically unnecessary and illegally billed insurers.

15% of patients admit to skipping imaging exams, other care due to out-of-pocket costs

About 1 in 3 Americans experience distress related to medical costs, and more fear paying for a serious illness rather than the illness itself, according to a new JACR study.

Private equity-backed SimonMed partners with online imaging marketplace Tripment Health

The platform teams with radiology groups, allowing them to list locations, appointment slots and prices to target cost-conscious consumers.

70% of healthcare executives expect M&A activity to ramp up this year

Many see labor shortages, supply chain issues and inflation as only modest obstacles to more deals.

Mass General’s radiology expansion plans ‘threaten’ healthcare affordability, state watchdog warns

Nearly $1.9M in upgrades at the system's flagship hospital would pull $4M in CT and MR revenues away from other healthcare players, according to a new analysis.

USPSTF makes final ruling on screening asymptomatic adults for AFib

The organization issued a draft of its recommendation back in April, leaving time for public comments to be made.

What radiology providers need to know about 2022 CPT coding updates

The American Medical Association has added nearly 250 new Current Procedural Terminology codes this year, but only a select few impact imaging.

Economics

President Trump finalizes spending bill with 2.5% rad pay bump, but no inflation-based Medicare reform

Radiology among specialties seeing greatest year-over-year gains in compensation: AMGA

Strategic Radiology expands to 25th state with addition of Alaska Imaging

Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact

Doc groups say payer promises not enough to address care denials