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.

healthcare value value-based care money dollar

Boston Scientific finalizes acquisition of Baylis Medical with $1.75B payment

The deal, first announced in October 2021, expands Boston Scientific’s structural heart disease and electrophysiology portfolios by a significant margin.

DOJ reportedly prepping lawsuit to block UnitedHealth’s acquisition of Change Healthcare

The blockbuster $13 billion deal has been in the works for more than a year, with healthcare giant UHG hoping to fold change into its Optum business line.

Nonprofit hospitals aren’t doing more for Medicaid patients than for-profits, despite taking taxpayer subsidies

In 2019, both nonprofit and for-profit hospitals reported nearly equal unreimbursed Medicaid costs as a share of total expenses, according to research published Monday.

Kaiser’s net income rose in 2021, operating income dipped

The decline in operating income was associated with an increase in care delivery costs linked to COVID-19.

Hospital pays $3.8M to resolve allegations it assisted cardiologist in exchange for patient referrals

The New Hampshire hospital allegedly received referrals worth "millions of dollars."

Coronary CT AI firm HeartFlow scraps $2.4B merger deal, citing ‘unfavorable market conditions’

Hedge fund investors and the Redwood City, California, vendor considered adjusting the sale price, but opted to terminate the deal instead.

Time to rethink how we compensate nonprofit hospital CEOs, think tank says

The average nonprofit hospital executive earns eight times more than their average hourly employee, experts with Brookline, Massachusetts-based Lown Institute reported.

American College of Cardiology announces new industry framework for developing cardiovascular solutions

The document, available in full for free, is the result of a collaboration with the Consumer Technology Association.

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