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.

Duke Health, Aetna reach agreement to keep members in-network
The new contract was signed just ahead of the Oct. 20 deadline. The insurer and academic health system were in dispute over reimbursement rates. The exact terms of the new multi-year agreement are unknown.
ACC and AHA outline calculation of cost-effectiveness in clinical practice guidelines
Healthcare's cost-conscious environment prompted the ACC and AHA to develop a statement on the value methodology to be used when creating clinical practice guidelines.
Emergency departments’ use of CT imaging has increased substantially since 2013
This uptick was attributed to more scans being administered per ED visit, rather than a rise in overall patient volumes, an analysis of Medicare data found.
SCAI outlines broken Medicaid reimbursement model for congenital heart disease
SCAI says many children and adults living with congenital heart disease are being left behind by a payment system that does not adequately value their care.
Department of Commerce launches investigation into imaging device imports, with potential for new tariffs
Authorities are seeking to determine the impact on national security of importing CT scanners, MRI machines, X-ray apparatuses and other radiologic equipment.

Teleradiology outfit USARad sees quarterly revenues climb over 8%

The Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based physician group—acquired by Nanox for $30 million in 2021—logged revenue of roughly $2.6 million in Q1, up from $2.4 million last year.

Florida passes bill requiring insurers to cover supplemental breast imaging

Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed S.B. 158 into law following its approval by the Florida legislature, while Ohio lawmakers also have proposed a similar bill.

Rural hospitals with health system affiliations charge more for imaging than independents

Across a dozen different imaging services examined, all costed more at affiliated hospitals, after adjusting for various factors.

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Medtronic to spin off its diabetes business

One of the world's largest medtech companies could make a major move within the next 18 months. Que Dallara, the current president of Medtronic’s diabetes business, would be the new company's CEO.

Tom Price, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and former secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) during the first Trump administration, said one way to address the growing shortage of physicians is to expand medical resident positions, but these are tied to Medicare spending so alternative means may be needed.

Tom Price: Medical residency slots need to expand to combat physician shortages

Tom Price, MD, former secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), said one way to address the growing shortage of physicians is to expand medical resident positions, but these are tied to Medicare spending so alternative means may be needed.

Fast breast MRI protocol cuts scan times up to 80% while maintaining accuracy

"Shorter reading and scan times may allow implementation of MRI in national screening programs, making it available for all women," one expert says.

Top health systems help balloon Rad AI’s fundraising round to $68M

Advocate, Memorial Hermann, Corewell, and Atlantic Health System are together contributing $8 million in “strategic” investments with the San Francisco company.

Hospital system reportedly ends contract after private radiology practice declines employment arrangement

The contract dispute is between 50-physician Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg and Mary Washington Healthcare, which has two hospitals south of Washington, D.C.

Economics

Duke Health, Aetna reach agreement to keep members in-network

ACC and AHA outline calculation of cost-effectiveness in clinical practice guidelines

Emergency departments’ use of CT imaging has increased substantially since 2013

SCAI outlines broken Medicaid reimbursement model for congenital heart disease

Department of Commerce launches investigation into imaging device imports, with potential for new tariffs