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.

Boston Scientific’s coronary DCB gains new Medicare reimbursement
The first coronary DCB to gain FDA approval just received an additional reimbursement that could improve patient access.
Medical imaging a heavy contributor to Medicare waste, study finds
The payment program spent $484 million on 15 different low-value imaging services, a figure that balloons to $584 million when factoring for out-of-pocket costs.
Imaging AI vendor earns nationwide UnitedHealthcare coverage, sets $1.3B value ahead of IPO
California-based Heartflow, which offers an AI software that assesses coronary CT angiography scans, hopes to raise over $200 million through the stock offering.
Private practice takes over Radiology Partners hospital contract
Effective immediately, Midstate Radiology Associates will deliver imaging reads at Windham Hospital, in Willimantic, Conn.
New number-crunching shows Medicare could save itself more than $2.5B a year by just saying ‘No’ to 5 low-value services
No single CMS strategy has proven an inarguable success at delivering significant cost savings while optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing clinical risks. Two researchers think they’ve found a way.

Humana commits to eliminating prior authorization for certain CT, MR imaging exams

The Louisville, Kentucky-based insurer plans to eliminate approximately one-third of prior authorizations for outpatient services by Jan. 1.

Physicians increasingly exiting the Medicare program

Radiology and other specialties have expressed concern in recent years that inadequate payment rates could push practices to close or stop accepting the federal payment plan for seniors.

Solis Mammography expands partnership with HCA Healthcare

One of the country's largest operators of breast imaging centers is teaming with one of its biggest hospital systems to bolster services in 3 markets.

Interview with Alan Matsumoto, chair of American College of Radiology (ACR) Board, says Medicare physician payments are not sustainable, forcing many practices to consolidate with health systems or private equity owned companies.

ACR board chair discusses radiology's 'culture clash' between 'suits and white coats'

Alan Matsumoto, MD, explains the pros and cons of consolidation under hospital system and private equity ownership.

Radiologists, other docs voice concern over Medicare proposal to slash pay due to ‘efficiencies’

"Cutting payment for these lifesaving exams is not helpful. We look forward to working with regulators and those in Congress to arrive at more sensible imaging reimbursement policies," an ACR leader says.

private equity corporatization business consolidation

Price of care rose 15% after independent practice buyouts, study finds

A new analysis from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that reduced competition among physicians has a similar impact on market dynamics as large-scale health system mergers, despite the former not receiving regulatory attention.

Poll: Most Americans unhappy with Medicaid cuts, Trump’s tariffs

A new poll from YouGov measuring sentiment around President Donald Trump’s policies and the “Big, Beautiful Bill Act” found that the public fears healthcare costs are about to rise.

Imaging artificial intelligence vendor files for $100M IPO

Heartflow filed necessary documents for the public offering on Thursday following positive news related to its key software, including proposed coverage under the MPFS.

Economics

Boston Scientific’s coronary DCB gains new Medicare reimbursement

Medical imaging a heavy contributor to Medicare waste, study finds

Imaging AI vendor earns nationwide UnitedHealthcare coverage, sets $1.3B value ahead of IPO

Private practice takes over Radiology Partners hospital contract

New number-crunching shows Medicare could save itself more than $2.5B a year by just saying ‘No’ to 5 low-value services