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.

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.
Anthem threatens hospitals who use out-of-network radiology providers
“When you thought insurers couldn’t get more evil, they come up with something even worse than you anticipated,” one physician said.

Chuck Norris’ gadolinium lawsuit against Bracco dismissed

Norris filed the suit against the manufacturer in November 2017, alleging his wife Gena suffered severe side effects from the contrast agent.

Fresh off Hitachi deal, Fujifilm exploring $3B purchase of nuclear imaging supplier

The Tokyo-based camera giant is competing with two private equity firms in the bidding war for Curium, which produces radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine.

Chuck Norris voluntarily abandons poisoning lawsuit against gadolinium manufacturer Bracco

The action star—famous for his portrayal of “Walker Texas Ranger”—first filed suit against the Italy-based company and several others in 2017.

Rich people stay healthy nearly a decade longer than poor people

Rich people live an average of seven to nine more disability-free years than their socioeconomically disadvantaged peers, according to research published in the Journals of Gerontology: Medical Sciences Jan. 15.

ACR asks CMS to back off on letting nonradiologists perform medical imaging tests

Those reservations come in response to a presidential executive order in October, calling for the need to expand scope of practice to improve senior care.

Researchers slam hospital programs that deliver unnecessary imaging to the wealthy

Two St. Louis-based researchers are denouncing “executive screening programs” targeted at affluent individuals who do not have any cancer symptoms, but want to avoid any future surprises.

Imaging company raises $26M to develop digital x-ray service, AI-powered cloud software

Nano-X Imaging (Nanox), an imaging technology company based out of Israel, has announced the completion of a funding round worth $26 million. The company has now raised $55 million overall.

Zebra Medical Vision names new CEO

Zebra Medical Vision has appointed Ohad Arazi as the company’s new CEO, a move that will be effective beginning March 1.

Economics

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

Anthem threatens hospitals who use out-of-network radiology providers