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.

Where the health-insured are (and aren’t)

Massachusetts has the lowest percentage of residents lacking health insurance in the country. Texas has the highest.

ACR ‘alarmed’ by number of small practices included in CMS’ new mandatory payment model

College chief William Thorwarth Jr., MD, voiced his concerns in a recent letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Surgery chain opens freestanding imaging center as safer alternative to hospital-based radiology referrals

Medarva Healthcare also highlighted its newfound ability to “create a comprehensive continuum of outpatient care without the inconvenience—and cost—of a trip to the hospital."

Low-income Americans open to overdue long-term care, as long as it’s paid for

Middle-aged individuals of modest means widely availed themselves of formal long-term care after Obamacare funded the expansion of Medicaid in participating states.

Embattled startup Nanox sees stock soar amid plans to showcase imaging technology at RSNA

Chairman and CEO Ran Poliakine said the live demonstration will "crush" the "baseless claims" made about his Israel-based business.

Radiologists feel more confident using dual-energy CT in the ED, lowering downstream imaging costs

At Vancouver General Hospital, the technique helped avoid nearly 200 follow-up MRIs and saved more than $60,000 in one year alone, according to a new analysis published in AJR.

Radiology practice paying $500K after allegedly delivering contrast imaging without doc supervision

Advanced Imaging of Port Charlotte also billed Medicare for services performed by doctors who lacked the proper credentials, the DOJ announced.

Trump’s plan to distribute prescription cards remains up in air

The White House has provided no clear explanation of where the nearly $7 billion needed to provide the coupons would come from.

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