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.

Provider participation in Medicare rose 6.3% over 10 years, peaking in 2019
A new study published in JAMA, which looked at fee-for-service Medicare records from 2013–2023, found that overall participation has trended upward. However, the details paint a complicated picture.
Report: ACA premiums to jump 30%, CMS documents show
The Washington Post reported that it reviewed documents from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, confirming that the cost of medical coverage is set to spike for 17 million Americans. Open enrollment for coverage through Affordable Care Act exchanges begins on Nov. 1.
PSMA-PET imaging not the most cost-effective option for many prostate cancer patients
The exam effectively helps providers manage patients’ treatment options, but for some, the costs associated with those treatments may negate the value of its findings.
Radiology groups rail against additional tariffs on imaging devices
RSNA, RadNet, the RBMA and Japanese imaging leaders all recently spoke out against the possibility of more fees on device imports.
Proposed tax on billionaires in California would generate $100B for Medicaid, backers say
The ballot measure was recently sent to the state attorney general’s office for approval. Once cleared, supporters can begin collecting signatures for its inclusion in the 2026 elections. The proposed law has the backing of one of the largest labor unions in the state.

Severe financial strain more than doubles risk of death among heart attack patients

Screening for financial strain, researchers wrote, could help identify patients who need additional help.

The most popular radiology business stories in February 2022 included several lawsuits pertaining to imaging centers and radiology companies and a new study suggesting not to delay mammograms in women who were recently vaccinated against COVID-19.

Top Radiology Business stories in February 2022

These are the most popular stories on Radiology Business in February, based on reader page views for the month.

Cigna ramps up investments in venture arm

Cigna, one of the nation’s largest health insurance providers, announced new priorities for its capital deployment, including steering an additional $450 million into Cigna Ventures.

Omicron COVID variant slammed hospitals in January

The surge in the omicron COVID-19 variant slammed the financial health of hospitals and health systems during the first month of 2022.

CT scan showing lung cancer nodules with measurements of each nodule to track growth or regression from treatment. Image courtesy of RSNA

ACR outlines changes in Medicare lung cancer screening coverage

The American College of Radiology recently released a detailed summary of the National Coverage Determination related to screening for lung cancer with low dose CT.

About 100 medical societies ask Congress to be involved in Congressional efforts to reform Medicare

Nearly 100 professional healthcare societies have asked Congress to include them in any discussions related to Medicare reform.

Cardiology societies want to help Congress reform Medicare

Multiple cardiology societies, including the ACC, ASE and SCAI, want to work with Congress to update Medicare payment policies.

Tripment asks federal court to dismiss infringement lawsuit by MDSave over similar imaging services website

Healthcare services online marketplace vendor Tripment Health asked a United States District Court to invalidate a lawsuit by MDSave Inc., which Tripment says is an attempt to gain an unfair advantage by weaponizing patents.

Economics

Provider participation in Medicare rose 6.3% over 10 years, peaking in 2019

Report: ACA premiums to jump 30%, CMS documents show

PSMA-PET imaging not the most cost-effective option for many prostate cancer patients

Radiology groups rail against additional tariffs on imaging devices

Proposed tax on billionaires in California would generate $100B for Medicaid, backers say