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.

GLP-1 weight loss drugs will now be covered by Medicare and Medicaid—and available at a discount through TrumpRx
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have agreed to sell their popular Wegovy and Zepbound injectables through TrumpRx.gov for a discounted rate, as the White House promises that Medicaid and Medicare plans will begin covering the costs.
Ohio AG investigating business practices of nonprofit safety net hospital
Authorities said in a court filing that they received a complaint about Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services’ business practices. The health system owes more than $12 million to creditors, and investigators are asking to see its financial records.
Society of Interventional Radiology urges UHC to update policy on radioembolization treatment
SIR contends that payments toward transarterial radioembolization (TARE)/selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) should extend beyond the current coverage limitations in patients with liver cancer and metastases.
Novel CT power-save mode could cut per-scanner costs by $1.5M annually
Investigators with University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, recently explored the use of a “promising” new option that reduces energy consumption during brief, inter-examination idle intervals.
Medicare MRI reimbursement has plummeted 77% since 2003, when adjusting for inflation
Exams are being delivered faster, thanks to abbreviated protocols, but experts contend insurers should not cut MRI pay because of such efficiencies.

Cardiologist sues health system over gender discrimination, unequal pay and hostile treatment

The veteran doctor says she was treated “vastly different from her male counterparts” during her 17 years with Lehigh Valley Health Network.

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Cost is king for patients, referrers mulling where to steer elective imaging, though other factors in play

Convenience and the referring provider's endorsement also are key for patients, while physicians focus on image quality and radiologists' reputation.

The use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still safe and effective when patients present with calcified nodules (CNs), according to new long-term data published in EuroIntervention.[1] Researchers compared outcomes from patients with and without CNs, highlighting key similarities in stent expansion and luminal gain.

Experts in interventional cardiology, medical billing unite to discuss Shockwave Medical’s IVL technology

Intravascular lithotripsy has quickly emerged as one of healthcare’s most in-demand technologies. Now Shockwave Medical, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, is co-hosting a webinar designed to teach coding and billing specialists how to code appropriately for peripheral and coronary IVL procedures.

Private equity radiology investor reaches agreement with FTC over alleged anticompetitive tactics

US Radiology Specialists backer Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe blasted the proposed order Friday, labeling it as symbolic and politically motivated.

RadNet sees potential midsize and larger acquisitions on its horizon

Leaders with the Los Angeles-based, publicly traded imaging center operator spoke Jan. 15 at the 43rd annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco.

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Congressional Medicare advisors recommend tying radiologist pay increases to inflation

The American Medical Association this week criticized cuts to physician pay, while Medicare Advantage plans are slated to see a 4.33% boost.

Private equity firm PSG invests $80M in radiology vendor Core Sound Imaging

Its flagship product is the Studycast imaging workflow platform, which CSI billed as “more than a picture archiving and communication system."

FTC, DOJ and HHS release report warning of private equity consolidation in healthcare

The agencies said private equity firms are rolling up healthcare sectors through serialized purchases that fly under the radar of regulators, creating an unsustainable level of consolidation.

Economics

GLP-1 weight loss drugs will now be covered by Medicare and Medicaid—and available at a discount through TrumpRx

Ohio AG investigating business practices of nonprofit safety net hospital

Society of Interventional Radiology urges UHC to update policy on radioembolization treatment

Novel CT power-save mode could cut per-scanner costs by $1.5M annually

Medicare MRI reimbursement has plummeted 77% since 2003, when adjusting for inflation