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.

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.
Provider pay increased by 4.9% across specialties in 2024, survey finds
A survey from the American Medical Group Association found that physicians and advanced care providers are making more money when compared to hours worked. However, the complications of inflation and the rising cost of care could eat into gains.
PFA market heats up as medtech companies announce new investments
While Kardium raised $250 million in an oversubscribed funding round, Field Medical raised $35 million. Both companies are focused on designing and developing new pulsed field ablation technologies to help treat challenging arrhythmias.
Senate bounces spending bill back to House with 2.5% Medicare rad pay fix
In addition, there are no restrictions on pass-through entity taxes (PTET), which “benefits independent physician practices,” one expert notes.

Imaging advocate applauds CMS’ decision to lift longstanding PET payment restriction

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is removing restrictions for using positron emission tomography scans outside of cancer care.

Texas cardiologist named in lawsuit says he will not be 'silenced by corporate bullies’

The interventional cardiologist allegedly 'entered into a conspiracy' with other area providers to interfere with recruiting efforts. He has now responded to the allegations, however, and is not backing down.

Siemens, UCSF ‘pioneering’ first-ever green radiology services with new partnership

Their ultimate goal is to help radiology departments around the world reduce their carbon footprint.

Additional spinal imaging prior to total hip replacement proves cost-effective long term

The extra work and costs upfront will spare patients physical and financial pain down the line, experts explained recently.

Philips enters agreement to acquire Cardiologs

Cardiologs, known for its AI- and cloud-based cardiac solutions, will soon be a part of the Philips family.

CMS to require COVID-19 vaccination at care facilities that accept Medicare, Medicaid by Jan. 4

Officials said the requirement applies to some 76,000 facilities employing more than 17 million healthcare workers across the U.S.

Change Healthcare, UnitedHealth honor DOJ info request, amend timing of merger

Under the Department of Justice pact, the two data giants agreed not to consummate the merger before Feb. 22, 2022.

CMS finalizes 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule—payments to cardiologists take a hit

Also, penalties for failing to comply with the Appropriate Use Criteria program have been delayed yet again.

Economics

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

Doc groups say payer promises not enough to address care denials

Provider pay increased by 4.9% across specialties in 2024, survey finds

PFA market heats up as medtech companies announce new investments

Senate bounces spending bill back to House with 2.5% Medicare rad pay fix