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.

In wake of George Floyd’s death, cardiovascular groups denounce ‘incidents of racism and violence’

The Association of Black Cardiologists, American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have collaborated on a joint statement that touches on the death of George Floyd and its connection to the cardiovascular health of racial minorities in the United States.

COVID-19 pandemic pushes back Fujifilm’s $1.6B purchase of rival Hitachi’s imaging line

The Japanese photocopier and camera-making giant had originally hoped to seal the deal with its Tokyo-based rival in July.

Volume of cardiovascular procedures expected to normalize by Q4 2020

Cardiology may return to pre-COVID-19 volumes sooner than many other healthcare specialties. What does this mean for hospitals throughout the United States?

Pandemic may produce ‘surge’ of private equity purchases in medicine, radiology expert warns

That’s according to a new opinion piece, published recently in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Radiology departments must look long-term to build financial resiliency after the pandemic

UW Seattle radiologists are cutting costs in the near-term to combat low imaging volumes, but say building future financial growth potential is key to a more stable outlook.

Why the pandemic may be hitting female radiologists harder, and how hospitals and practices can counter

A recent study in JACR explored how video conferencing’s growing popularity in the profession may be having a negative impact on women.

Medical isotopes firm takes revenue hit amid pandemic, but says impact will be ‘relatively short lived’

Idaho Falls-based International Isotopes reported a 5% drop in revenue from nuclear medicine sales, primarily due to imaging clinics shutting their doors and suspending elective exams.

Radiologists earn 81% of their potential bonus on average, more than most physicians

The majority of rads collect their entire incentive payment, but the next highest proportion only achieved 25% of their bonus or less, according to the 2020 Medscape Radiologist Compensation Report.

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