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.

Private equity-backed SimonMed partners with online imaging marketplace Tripment Health

The platform teams with radiology groups, allowing them to list locations, appointment slots and prices to target cost-conscious consumers.

70% of healthcare executives expect M&A activity to ramp up this year

Many see labor shortages, supply chain issues and inflation as only modest obstacles to more deals.

Mass General’s radiology expansion plans ‘threaten’ healthcare affordability, state watchdog warns

Nearly $1.9M in upgrades at the system's flagship hospital would pull $4M in CT and MR revenues away from other healthcare players, according to a new analysis.

USPSTF makes final ruling on screening asymptomatic adults for AFib

The organization issued a draft of its recommendation back in April, leaving time for public comments to be made.

What radiology providers need to know about 2022 CPT coding updates

The American Medical Association has added nearly 250 new Current Procedural Terminology codes this year, but only a select few impact imaging.

Change Healthcare may sell off assets to close UnitedHealth deal, plus more vendor news

Also, Agfa to raise prices for its radiology solutions, Philips sees comparable sales decline, and Qure.ai scores an FDA clearance.

Mark Cuban’s prescription drug company launches online pharmacy for affordable medications

The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company promises to bypass middlemen and "outrageous" markups for more than 100 medications.

Only 21% of U.S. hospitals comply with price transparency mandate for shoppable imaging exams

The maximum charge for a contrast-enhanced pelvic CT was listed as $14,238 compared to a minimum of $193, exemplifying a wide variation in exam pricing.

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