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.

Medicare cuts expected to limit access for stroke and aneurysm patients, could cause some practices to close

Specialists also believe that private insurers will follow Medicare's example and reduce their own reimbursement rates.

Cardiologist hired for executive vice president role at Walmart

Cheryl Pegus, MD, is a veteran cardiologist with prior experience at such companies as Aetna, Pfizer and Cambia Health Solutions.

FTC approves Rad Partners’ blockbuster $885M acquisition of Mednax Radiology Solutions

Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings revealed the news in an update shared Dec. 3.

Cigna imaging restrictions will have ‘profoundly negative impact’ on pediatric care, radiologists warn

The Society for Pediatric Radiology is expressing significant concerns around a new payment policy, believing it could lead to patient harm and climbing costs.

Cardiologists, other healthcare providers speak out against ‘detrimental’ cuts included in MPFS final rule

A large coalition, including several cardiology groups, is asking Congress to pass legislation that would help protect healthcare providers from the final rule's "arbitrary" Medicare cuts.

District of Columbia DC congress capitol hill

CMS drops final 2021 Physician Fee Schedule that includes ‘deeply troubling’ cuts to radiologists’ pay

Imaging advocates recently intensified their push for congressional action to counteract the payment punch.

68% of insured adults have received surprise medical bills—and many can’t afford to pay them

In addition, 49% of U.S. adults said the fear of unexpected bills keeps them from seeking care.

Ultrasound maker Butterfly Network’s $1.5B merger, Philips beats antitrust claims, plus more vendor news

Also, GE Healthcare's new acquisition, Subtle Medical raises $12 million, and Fujifilm enters a new market in imaging.

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