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.

Change Healthcare may sell off assets to close UnitedHealth deal, plus more vendor news

Also, Agfa to raise prices for its radiology solutions, Philips sees comparable sales decline, and Qure.ai scores an FDA clearance.

Mark Cuban’s prescription drug company launches online pharmacy for affordable medications

The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company promises to bypass middlemen and "outrageous" markups for more than 100 medications.

Only 21% of U.S. hospitals comply with price transparency mandate for shoppable imaging exams

The maximum charge for a contrast-enhanced pelvic CT was listed as $14,238 compared to a minimum of $193, exemplifying a wide variation in exam pricing.

Private equity-backed Rayus Radiology reveals additional expansion plans

The growing imaging group is launching two new outpatient centers, ballooning its national total to 152 and counting.

Insurers spent millions on ivermectin prescriptions for COVID-19, despite the drug being ineffective

Private and Medicare insurers spent nearly $2.5 million on the anti-parasite drug during a single week in August 2021, researchers reported in JAMA Network Open.

Diagnostic radiology absorbed a 44% Medicare reimbursement reduction over the last decade

The numbers appear “troublesome” and offer strong evidence of the need for reform, experts wrote in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology.

Radiology practice sells its offices in $29M leaseback deal, netting 77% profit

Windsong Radiology unloaded its two connected buildings to a Nashville, Tennessee, REIT after acquiring them for $16.25M in 2014

Philips sees sales fall $400M below expectations amid global supply chain pressures

However, Q4 bright spots included “robust” order intake with 4% growth, driven by gains in its Diagnosis & Treatment business, leaders said Wednesday.

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