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.

Outpatient imaging suffers massive declines at mega hospital system located in COVID epicenter

Investigators from Northwell Health hope such data could prove pivotal in making a case for further relief from federal and state governments.

5G innovation lab opens to support AI development, edge computing, more

The lab’s leaders are pledging to support innovators in various industries—including healthcare—who will have a hand in the rise of 5G technology.

One state’s hospitals saw $650M drop in revenue, with radiology cancellations a key factor

New Jersey providers have been beset by a double whammy of financial challenges during the pandemic, with hospital expenses also increasing by $214 million per month.

Pandemic-induced economic recession will likely hinder radiologist recruitment for years

Such was the case in 2009, when the Great Recession brought about a “protracted, seven-year struggle” to recruit medical students into the specialty, experts wrote in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology.

MITA asks CMS for regulatory relief to mitigate pandemic’s toll on imaging

“It is of timely importance that lawmakers and regulatory officials implement policies that address the current crisis and mitigate future public health consequences arising from the pandemic,” Patrick Hope, executive director of MITA, said Thursday.

How the ACA impacts cardiovascular care for underserved patients

Expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to some improvements in cardiovascular care for underserved racial and ethnic patient populations—but there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Radiology ranks among top 5 highest paid specialties, averaging $427K per year

The figure is nearly 2% higher compared to last year's report from Medscape, but some experts believe the recent global pandemic may change the trend.

CVD mortality rates highlight ‘widening disparity’ between metro, rural counties in US

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were higher in rural areas than larger metropolitan areas from 1999 to 2017, according to new research published in JAMA.

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