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.

Trump issues sweeping executive order to reduce drug prices
The “most favored nation” policy would reduce the cost of domestic pharmaceuticals to the levels paid in Europe. The executive order also has a sister bill proposed for Congress that would solidify the rule into law.
ASNC, ACC ask US government not to tariff radiopharmaceuticals
The two groups stressed that tariffs would likely impact patient care.
RadNet records rare decrease in imaging procedural volumes
This marks the first time since the pandemic of 2020 that RadNet has seen a same-center decrease in imaging use.
Senators introduce bipartisan bill to revive shelved imaging appropriate-use criteria program
Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Catherine Cortez Masto are proposing the Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act, which would eliminate real-time reporting requirements in AUC.
Private equity firm Stonepeak closing in on $1.9B purchase of radiology network
The New York investment group, which also owns Akumin, is reportedly "inches" from acquiring Australia's largest diagnostic imaging provider.

Moody’s upgrades Radiology Partners’ outlook but still sees ‘significant’ risk in Mednax integration

The investors service changed its position on RP from stable to positive, noting a marked recovery in patient volumes after steep COVID-related declines in Q2 of 2020.

quality imaging appropriateness clinical decision support CAS AUC

Lawmakers urge CMS to reexamine long-delayed imaging Appropriate Use Criteria program

The quality initiative has been pushed back several times, and some are concerned that it's no longer relevant and duplicates other efforts.

Big Tech player promises big interoperability via new data engine

A Silicon Valley icon has debuted a healthcare-specific data engine aimed at collating actionable information from data siloes operating within hospitals and health systems.

Johnson & Johnson reaps higher profits

Johnson & Johnson reported higher profits for the second quarter of 2021, buoyed by higher medical device sales and sales of its COVID-19 vaccine.

Watson is alive, well and continuing IBM’s quest to help drive AI into healthcare

Reporter Steve Lohr interviewed IBM insiders and close observers en route to finding Watson’s current leadership evidently humbled, cautioned and determined to pursue more sober goals.

Private equity-backed Rayus Radiology acquiring 100-rad practice, adding 45 new hospital partners

Foundation Radiology utilizes a hybrid model with on-site rads operating in seven states and a 24/7, year-round teleradiology service.

Cardiologist to pay $2M to settle kickback allegations

The specialist allegedly sold his practice to a California health system for an amount that far exceeded fair market value in exchange for patient referrals to a nearby hospital.

Nearly half of patients liable for secondary imaging interpretation costs—many can’t afford it

Individual's out-of-pocket payments did not fully cover their costs in 68% of situations, Emory University experts explained in JACR.

Economics

Trump issues sweeping executive order to reduce drug prices

ASNC, ACC ask US government not to tariff radiopharmaceuticals

RadNet records rare decrease in imaging procedural volumes

Senators introduce bipartisan bill to revive shelved imaging appropriate-use criteria program

Private equity firm Stonepeak closing in on $1.9B purchase of radiology network