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 Rayus Radiology reveals additional expansion plans

The growing imaging group is launching two new outpatient centers, ballooning its national total to 152 and counting.

Insurers spent millions on ivermectin prescriptions for COVID-19, despite the drug being ineffective

Private and Medicare insurers spent nearly $2.5 million on the anti-parasite drug during a single week in August 2021, researchers reported in JAMA Network Open.

Diagnostic radiology absorbed a 44% Medicare reimbursement reduction over the last decade

The numbers appear “troublesome” and offer strong evidence of the need for reform, experts wrote in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology.

Radiology practice sells its offices in $29M leaseback deal, netting 77% profit

Windsong Radiology unloaded its two connected buildings to a Nashville, Tennessee, REIT after acquiring them for $16.25M in 2014

Philips sees sales fall $400M below expectations amid global supply chain pressures

However, Q4 bright spots included “robust” order intake with 4% growth, driven by gains in its Diagnosis & Treatment business, leaders said Wednesday.

Modality log files show patient motion during MR exams costs radiology departments time and money

Patient movement during MR exams can cost $115,000 per scanner annually, prompting researchers to call for enhanced motion correction techniques.

R1 RCM agrees to purchase AI revenue cycle company Cloudmed in $4.1B deal

The acquisition includes $857 million of debt from private equity-backed Cloudmed, the organization's announced Monday, Jan. 10.

Imaging during total hip replacement surgery is cost-effective, new research reveals

Intraoperative fluoroscopy is beneficial if it can prevent even 1 corrective, follow-up surgery out of every 400 total hip arthroplasties, doctors reported in the Journal of Arthroplasty.

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