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.

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.
UnitedHealth, Amedisys offer divestitures as $3.3B merger advances
Pennant and BrightSpring Health Services have agreed to purchase some healthcare businesses from UnitedHealth and Amedisys. However, it remains unclear whether this will be enough for the DOJ to drop its lawsuit blocking the merger.
Tariffs will have a significant impact on the nuclear imaging supply chain in the US
"Domestic radiopharmaceutical suppliers, who receive isotopes from abroad, would be impacted by price changes and uncertainty caused by additional tariffs,” SNMMI President Cathy Cutler, PhD, wrote in a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce this week.

American College of Radiology highlights imaging CPT code changes for 2022 and sooner

Two code additions for next year cover a new procedure—destruction of the intraosseous basivertebral nerve—that provides relief for certain back pain.

Company News: Rad Partners launches new clinical innovation team; Akumin closes $39M deal, plus more

In other happenings, Asheville Radiology Associates recently rebranded; PwC is reportedly marketing a practice for sale, and Monticello Health Services acquired a center in Texas.

The high price of consolidation: Spike in imaging volumes pushing Medicare costs up $40M

The findings shared Monday in Health Affairs add to mounting evidence linking vertical integration to higher spending, a trend that's likely to increase in the coming years.

Low-value care, including CVD screening for low-risk adults, costs Medicare providers $478M per year

The study’s authors tracked data from 2007 to 2016, focusing on seven low-value services that all received a “D” recommendation from the USPSTF.

‘Profoundly negative impact’: ACR asks insurer Anthem to reconsider imaging payment restriction

The American College of Radiology and Society for Pediatric Radiology are asking the Indianapolis-based payer to open hospital-based imaging to a greater patient population.

Radiology group asks lung cancer screening centers for help persuading insurers to update exam coverage

The American College of Radiology has provided a form letter for organizations to send to state and local private insurers.

Total knee AI/AR cleared for sales in the US

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to a French startup for surgery software that combines AI with augmented reality and computer vision.

COVID-19 congress coronavirus Washington

Radiologists ask Congress for $3B to offset looming cuts in Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

In a letter to lawmakers, 63 medical groups said the pandemic continues to challenge physician practices.

Economics

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

UnitedHealth, Amedisys offer divestitures as $3.3B merger advances

Tariffs will have a significant impact on the nuclear imaging supply chain in the US