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.

Cardiologists report an average 2021 salary of $538K, up 2% from 2020, as pandemic continues

The report, primarily focused on compensation data in the United States, also examined how COVID-19 continues to impact the country's workforce.

UnitedHealth Group pushes back timeline of $13B Change Healthcare acquisition

The two healthcare heavyweights had originally hoped to complete their merger in 2021's second half but will take more time, according to an SEC filing.

Akumin bills itself as nation’s No. 2 radiology services provider following $820M Alliance acquisition

The combined company now covers 46 states, serving 1,000 hospital and healthcare providers with more than 230 fixed-site radiology and oncology centers.

National healthcare spending jumped 9.7% last year, topping $4.1 trillion

Much of the hike was due to a quick upturn in government spending during the pandemic, including the $122B Provider Relief Fund and $53B Paycheck Protection Program.

Healthcare deals were up 56% in 2021, with a few topping $5 billion

Physician medical groups and the managed care and rehabilitation sectors were top targets for deals last year, according to a new report from PwC.

Medical companies among top franchises in 2021

Several healthcare names have cracked the rankings of the top franchises in 2021 by Franchise Times.

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

Baxter acquires global medical technology firm for estimated $12.5 billion

The Deerfield, Illinois-based company also announced a few important leadership changes to go along with its purchase of Hillrom.

Radiology dominates image-guided bone pain relief market, but other specialties present growing threat

Pain management specialists and neurosurgeons have recorded the largest gains in osseous ablation delivery among Medicare beneficiaries, according to new research.

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