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.

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.

healthcare value value-based care money dollar

Catheter ablation a cost-effective option for HF patients with AFib

Researchers shared their full analysis in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Imaging alliance wants CMS policies to encourage adoption, promote access to radiology AI

The advocate outlined its feedback on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s 21st Century Cures 2.0 draft legislation in a letter shared recently.

Biden administration invests $103M in reducing burnout among cardiologists, other healthcare workers

The money is part of the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill President Joe Biden signed into law in March.

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