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.

Trio of private radiology practices across three states announce merger deal

Leaders believe the newly formed Advanced Imaging Alliance will allow them to better serve one of the nation’s largest Catholic hospital systems.

One of state’s oldest radiology practices broadens reach with telemammography firm acquisition

Vulcan Imaging Associates is acquiring Women's Imaging Associates for an undisclosed amount, uniting two market leading practices in Alabama.

Most physicians still paid based on volume, despite efforts to incentivize value-driven care

More than 80% of primary care physicians and 90% of specialists employed in group practices owned by health systems receive base pay under volume-driven models, new research shows.

Nation’s largest commercial insurer launching new program aimed at curbing imaging costs

UnitedHealthcare is currently circulating surveys to hospitals and freestanding centers, asking them to share details on their quality performance.

UnitedHealthcare launches program steering patients toward low-cost imaging centers

Patients will pay lower out-of-pocket costs for receiving imaging services at UHC-approved Designated Diagnostic Providers.

Imaging group Rezolut opens 26th center with more to come via Providence partnership

The 51-hospital industry giant first partnered with Rezolut in August 2020, and the two plan to launch several more outposts through their joint venture.

Pharmacist gets 5 years in prison for $180M insurance fraud scam

David “Jason” Rutland paid kickbacks to distributors for prescription referrals that were medically unnecessary and illegally billed insurers.

15% of patients admit to skipping imaging exams, other care due to out-of-pocket costs

About 1 in 3 Americans experience distress related to medical costs, and more fear paying for a serious illness rather than the illness itself, according to a new JACR study.

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