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.

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.
CMS recalls furloughed workers ahead of ACA open enrollment
Despite the ongoing government shutdown, some 3,000 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services staff will be returning to the office just in time for Americans to begin looking for health coverage on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The agency said the employees will be paid for the days they work.

Community radiology practices suffer sizable imaging volume declines, with breast imaging hit hardest

That’s according to a new analysis of imaging data from nine such providers located across the country, published in JACR.

Endologix announces bankruptcy, company-wide reorganization due to pandemic-related challenges

Endologix, an Irvine, California-based healthcare company focused on aortic disorders, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and finalized a “consensual plan of reorganization."

Bigger in Texas: Merger may create the nation’s largest private radiology practice

Officials with 80-year-old, Fort Worth-based Radiology Associates of North Texas unveiled their new partnership plans on July 2.

Heart valve specialists raise $20M

Foldax, a Salt Lake City-based healthcare company focused on heart valve technology, has closed a $20 million Series D round of financing.

Defunct diagnostic imaging center chain files for bankruptcy, citing $32M in liabilities

At its peak, Philadelphia-based National Medical Imaging operated 23 outpatient radiology screening centers with $72 million in annual revenue.

Industry lobbyists urge lawmakers to include imaging tech in national stockpile: 5 recommendations for the next pandemic

MITA points out that medical imaging has been "invaluable" during the COVID-19 crisis, and wants federal officials to ensure radiology is at the forefront when planning for future health emergencies.

Senate bill would officially codify price transparency in radiology, other hospital services

Led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, their PRICE Transparency Act comes after a judge recently struck down an industry challenge to the new rule, set to take effect in January 2021.

CMS kick-starting new radiology prior-authorization policies on July 1, imaging advocates warn

The agency said it hopes to control unnecessary increases in the volume of certain imaging-based services, while also protecting the Medicare Trust Fund from improper payments.

Economics

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

CMS recalls furloughed workers ahead of ACA open enrollment