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.

Duke Health, Aetna reach agreement to keep members in-network
The new contract was signed just ahead of the Oct. 20 deadline. The insurer and academic health system were in dispute over reimbursement rates. The exact terms of the new multi-year agreement are unknown.
ACC and AHA outline calculation of cost-effectiveness in clinical practice guidelines
Healthcare's cost-conscious environment prompted the ACC and AHA to develop a statement on the value methodology to be used when creating clinical practice guidelines.
Emergency departments’ use of CT imaging has increased substantially since 2013
This uptick was attributed to more scans being administered per ED visit, rather than a rise in overall patient volumes, an analysis of Medicare data found.
SCAI outlines broken Medicaid reimbursement model for congenital heart disease
SCAI says many children and adults living with congenital heart disease are being left behind by a payment system that does not adequately value their care.
Department of Commerce launches investigation into imaging device imports, with potential for new tariffs
Authorities are seeking to determine the impact on national security of importing CT scanners, MRI machines, X-ray apparatuses and other radiologic equipment.

Troubled radiology vendor’s stock delisted from the Nasdaq

QT Imaging celebrated going public by ringing the Nasdaq bell in April, but less than a year later it has been booted.

insurance insurer payment claim denial reimbursement prior authorization

Physicians want Medicare Advantage plans to stop auto-denying imaging services

Payers have reportedly used artificial intelligence algorithms to deny routine requests for PET imaging, instead steering patients to CCTA in some cases.

Ultrasound-maker Butterfly Network seeks to raise $76M through public stock offering

Based in Burlington, Massachusetts, the company offers a handheld, single-probe, whole-body scanner for under $4,000.

Musk’s DOGE granted access to CMS records in search of ‘big money fraud’

The pseudo-government organization led by billionaire Elon Musk has been given read-only access to payment, contract and staffing records at the agency.

money court scale of justice ruling legal settlement

Oklahoma cardiologist and his clinic pay $270K to settle whistleblower lawsuit

A Tulsa-based cardiology clinic was accused of submitting false claims for E&M services over a period of several years.

Radiology Partners affiliate ARA Diagnostic Imaging reaches in-network deal with UnitedHealthcare

The country's largest commercial insurer knocked the Austin, Texas, practice out of network in April 2023, after it had reportedly sought a 34% price hike over five years.

Imaging lobbying group wants medical devices exempt from Trump tariffs

The White House announced the action Feb. 1, implementing a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% for products from China.

Radiology department launches ‘financially viable’ 2nd-opinion service, ditches ‘curbside consults’

Texas Children’s Hospital experts detailed their efforts Jan. 30 in the journal Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology.

Economics

Duke Health, Aetna reach agreement to keep members in-network

ACC and AHA outline calculation of cost-effectiveness in clinical practice guidelines

Emergency departments’ use of CT imaging has increased substantially since 2013

SCAI outlines broken Medicaid reimbursement model for congenital heart disease

Department of Commerce launches investigation into imaging device imports, with potential for new tariffs