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.

Cardiologist takes stand in Derek Chauvin trial, says George Floyd’s death was ‘absolutely preventable’

Jonathan D. Rich, MD, a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine, took the stand during one of the most widely watched murder trials in recent memory. He testified that multiple steps could have been taken to prevent George Floyd's death.

FDA approves first-of-its-kind colonoscopy AI

The FDA has granted de novo classification to an AI software module that puts a second pair of eyes on colonoscopy videos in real time and is compatible with any endoscope.

Smart speakers expected to penetrate healthcare without disrupting it very much

Artificially intelligent personal digital assistants controlled by voice à la Amazon Echo and Google Home have a bright future in healthcare. However, they will only go so far as a transformative technology.

Thermal imaging–AI breast cancer exam cleared for sales in Europe

The European Union has granted CE mark approval to a breast cancer screening system that combines a thermal imaging device with cloud-hosted AI analytics.

Radiology Partners adds 6 new practices, but declines to disclose details

In other news, RadNet is refinancing its debts to add financial flexibility, while Minnesota-based Midwest Radiology is simplifying its organizational structure.

FDA greenlights 3D-printed cervical spacer system

An established company in the spinal device market has added a 3D-printed vertebral spacer to its line of FDA-cleared products.

Missouri cardiology practice sues health system for $50M in damages

Employees at St. Louis Heart and Vascular have been told their privileges are being revoked at all SSM Health hospitals.

Apple hiring a cardiologist to help develop new products

The full-time position requires an active U.S. medical license and previous experience as an attending cardiologist.

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