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.

Radiology Business Management Association strongly urges Medicare to withdraw controversial doc pay ‘efficiency adjustment’
The federal payment program first proposed this 2.5%, across-the-board cut for physician services in July, exempting most time-based healthcare offerings.
Lawmakers urge Trump administration to fix No Surprises Act problems plaguing radiology
Five years after Congress passed the landmark law, shortcomings persist, which are potentially hampering patients and physicians, House leaders contend.
Employer-sponsored health plans to see 7% jump in premiums, survey finds
Consulting firm Mercer said employers are prepared to deploy cost-cutting measures, including better management of high-cost claims. However, Americans who get insurance through their workplace are likely to face higher out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-pays and deductibles.
Bedside POCUS could save hospitals millions when used on patients with shortness of breath
“The explanation here is simple. Ultrasound gives you more information, and more concrete information, about what’s going on,” authors of a new JAMA study say.
Kneecapping National Institutes of Health will stifle economic growth, radiology groups warn
Over 500 healthcare organizations including the ACR issued their plea as Congress considers 2026 funding for the key federal agency.

Densitas, MaxQ AI solutions coming to Nuance AI Marketplace

Two healthcare companies focused on AI-powered technologies—Densitas and MaxQ AI—have announced that they will have FDA-approved solutions available on the Nuance AI Marketplace.

Microsoft, Humana announce 7-year partnership built around AI, cloud technologies

Microsoft and Humana have announced a new seven-year strategic partnership that will aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare solutions available to Humana’s members.

Number of open radiographer positions on the rise in 2019

The vacancy rate for radiographers jumped from 4.2% in 2017 to 8.5% in 2019, according to a new survey published by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Intelerad workflow solution to include Zebra Medical Vision’s AI offerings

Intelerad Medical Systems and Zebra Medical Vision have announced a new partnership involving Intelerad’s Odyssey workflow management solution.

Shift toward hospital-based CV testing increased patient costs

A government effort to shift noninvasive cardiac testing from provider-based settings to hospital-based settings more than a decade ago inadvertently increased healthcare costs in the long run, researchers reported in JAMA Internal Medicine.

CMS policies to reduce low-value cardio testing are working, researchers find

Overall rates of low-value diagnostic cardiovascular testing—including imaging—have dropped over the past 10 years, while rates of high-value, guideline-recommended testing rose slightly.

AI’s impact on healthcare, other industries continues to grow

The use of AI continues to rise throughout the United States, according to a new industry report published by RELX. The report included feedback from more than 1,000 senior-level executives representing seven industries: healthcare, science/medical, government, insurance, legal, banking and agriculture.

Omega Medical gains FDA approval for AI tech to reduce radiation dosage

“The impact of this groundbreaking solution for patients and healthcare providers is substantial," said President Brian Fleming.

Economics

Radiology Business Management Association strongly urges Medicare to withdraw controversial doc pay ‘efficiency adjustment’

Lawmakers urge Trump administration to fix No Surprises Act problems plaguing radiology

Employer-sponsored health plans to see 7% jump in premiums, survey finds

Bedside POCUS could save hospitals millions when used on patients with shortness of breath

Kneecapping National Institutes of Health will stifle economic growth, radiology groups warn