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.

Heartflow, a leader in AI-powered imaging evaluations, files for IPO
Heartflow, known for its AI-based CCTA evaluations, appears to be going public. The news follows years of momentum for the California-based company, including improved Medicare reimbursements for cardiac CT and a new Category I CPT code for its Plaque Analysis software.
Whole-body MRI ‘longevity’ firm hits 10,000 users, charging up to $19,000 for annual membership
Human Longevity is a luxury clinic that's part of a “lucrative and growing industry” focused on preventive care.
Two insurers dominate most Medicare Advantage markets, report finds
Over 97% of all counties in the U.S. see high or very high levels of consolidation in Medicare Advantage markets, with UnitedHealthcare and Humana owning the most plans nationwide.
Steward sues former CEO over alleged pilfering that contributed to bankruptcy
Former Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre, MD, and other executives are accused in a $1.4 billion legal filing of paying themselves hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses, despite the health system being insolvent.
Patients who visit providers via telemedicine undergo significantly fewer imaging exams
Researchers with the Neiman Health Policy Institute recently investigated how COVID-related care site shifts impacted diagnostic radiology, sharing their findings in JACR.

The impact of Trump tariffs on iodine contrast media costs

GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?

ACC President Cathie Biga explains the American College of Cardiology advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. in 2025.

ACC president details key advocacy efforts in cardiology

American College of Cardiology President Cathie Biga, MSN, says Medicare payment reform remains a top priority going forward. Site-neutral payments and improved access to PAD screening are two other issues close to the ACC's heart.

healthcare money economics dollar stethoscope acquire merger

Novartis to acquire drugmaker behind new heart therapy for up to $3.1B

The FDA has already shown great interest in the drug, which is designed to help AFib patients reduce their stroke and systemic embolism risks.

ACR wants Medicare to add more radiology measures in MIPS quality pay program

Radiology advocates believe the value-based payment program needs more measures to support radiologists in meeting performance requirements.

Radiology societies, all 50 state medical associations push Medicare pay fix

A total of 80 healthcare organizations signed the message, sent to leaders in the U.S. House and Senate on Feb. 10.

A graphic released by the AMA showing that cumulative Medicare payment cuts to physicians between 2001-2025 has resulted in a 33% cuts, which medical societies and numerous physicians in Congress says is not sustainable without Medicare patients losing access to care.

Congressional bill could reverse Medicare cuts and increase physician pay

A bill in Congress would reverse the 2025 Medicare cuts and increase physician pay, but a March deadline looms to make this happen.

Radiologist ponders: ‘If private practice is so great, why are so many groups struggling?’

Ben White, MD, a Texas neuroradiologist and writer, recently posed the question on his blog and offered five possible reasons why life is hard for this model of care.

Connecticut Democratic Senator Saud Anwar

State senator wants task force to study private equity’s impact on radiology

Connecticut Sen. Saud Anwar, MD, proposed Bill No. 489 last month amid concerns about care delays at Hartford-based Jefferson Radiology, an affiliate of Rad Partners.

Economics

Heartflow, a leader in AI-powered imaging evaluations, files for IPO

Whole-body MRI ‘longevity’ firm hits 10,000 users, charging up to $19,000 for annual membership

Two insurers dominate most Medicare Advantage markets, report finds

Steward sues former CEO over alleged pilfering that contributed to bankruptcy

Patients who visit providers via telemedicine undergo significantly fewer imaging exams