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.

Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact
The 940-page document passed the House of Representatives in a 218 to 214 vote, and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk. It contains a 20% cut to federal Medicaid funding, something Trump said he opposes.
Doc groups say payer promises not enough to address care denials
MGMA and others who are part of the “Regulatory Relief Coalition” are urging Congress to continue pushing forward with the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.
Provider pay increased by 4.9% across specialties in 2024, survey finds
A survey from the American Medical Group Association found that physicians and advanced care providers are making more money when compared to hours worked. However, the complications of inflation and the rising cost of care could eat into gains.
PFA market heats up as medtech companies announce new investments
While Kardium raised $250 million in an oversubscribed funding round, Field Medical raised $35 million. Both companies are focused on designing and developing new pulsed field ablation technologies to help treat challenging arrhythmias.
Senate bounces spending bill back to House with 2.5% Medicare rad pay fix
In addition, there are no restrictions on pass-through entity taxes (PTET), which “benefits independent physician practices,” one expert notes.

2 ultrasound AI systems cleared for market

The FDA has approved an AI tool for speeding thyroid sonography workflows while, across the Atlantic, the European Union has OK’d an AI-based ultrasound device that guides nerve blocking as a form of local anesthesia

CTA, ACC announce new plan to help device manufacturers connect with cardiologists

Representatives from Google Health, Philips, Samsung, Abbott and Omron have been invited to contribute to the new collaboration.

Family of singer Chris Cornell settles malpractice lawsuit with cardiologist

The singer's family originally filed the lawsuit in November 2018.

American College of Radiology urges UnitedHealthcare to revise ‘onerous’ new prior authorization process

The nation's largest commercial insurer began requiring physicians to jump through additional hoops last month before obtaining payment for certain outpatient services.

3 medical AI systems clear regulatory hurdles

The last two weeks saw market clearances granted in Europe for AI-based software focused on remote patient monitoring, prostate oncology and real-time guidance of coronary stenting.

Considering vitamin supplements to prevent heart disease or cancer? Not so fast, USPSTF warns

The USPSTF said there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against taking supplements to prevent CVD or cancer. The two exceptions are vitamin E and beta-carotene, which the group warned should not be taken for that purpose.

‘Under siege by consolidation’: Antitrust trade group comes out against UnitedHealth-Change merger

The American Antitrust Institute joins numerous others lining up to oppose the proposed $13 billion transaction, first announced in January.

American College of Radiology highlights imaging CPT code changes for 2022 and sooner

Two code additions for next year cover a new procedure—destruction of the intraosseous basivertebral nerve—that provides relief for certain back pain.

Economics

Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact

Doc groups say payer promises not enough to address care denials

Provider pay increased by 4.9% across specialties in 2024, survey finds

PFA market heats up as medtech companies announce new investments

Senate bounces spending bill back to House with 2.5% Medicare rad pay fix