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.

Several medical imaging societies ask to be involved in Congressional Medicare reform efforts

Numerous medical imaging societies, including the ACR, signed onto a letter dated Feb. 25 that was sent to members of Congress requesting collaboration on reforms to the Medicare physician payment system.

The Edwards Lifesciences Sapien transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) device in a heart model used to show patients how the device works.

TAVR associated with lower healthcare costs than surgery

Researchers examined Medicare data from 2016 to 2018, presenting their findings in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.

'Major victory': Texas physicians score key court win in national fight over surprise billing ban

Radiologists praised the ruling while AHIP, the nation's largest health insurance lobbying group, called it "misguided."

DOJ officially sues to block UnitedHealth Group’s $13B acquisition of Change Healthcare

UHG called the federal government's position "deeply flawed" and said it plans to "defend our case vigorously" in court.

HHS allocating $560M in payments to healthcare providers impacted by COVID-19 pandemic

Nearly $19 billion will have been distributed from the Provider Relief Fund and the American Rescue Plan Rural provider funding since November 2021.

Mayo Clinic invests $432M in Florida hospital expansion project

The health system has seen "unprecedented growth” in Florida in recent years, spurring a 23% increase in staffing.

Population growth drives new hospital construction in North Carolina

The addition is part of Atrium Health’s $1 billion expansion plans.

From the Great Resignation to PET/CT, 9 trends driving diagnostic imaging in 2022

“These trends represent the business, market, and technology dynamics that imaging leaders cannot afford to ignore,” Alliance Healthcare Services reported recently.

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