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.

Heartflow, a leader in AI-powered imaging evaluations, files for IPO
Heartflow, known for its AI-based CCTA evaluations, appears to be going public. The news follows years of momentum for the California-based company, including improved Medicare reimbursements for cardiac CT and a new Category I CPT code for its Plaque Analysis software.
Whole-body MRI ‘longevity’ firm hits 10,000 users, charging up to $19,000 for annual membership
Human Longevity is a luxury clinic that's part of a “lucrative and growing industry” focused on preventive care.
Two insurers dominate most Medicare Advantage markets, report finds
Over 97% of all counties in the U.S. see high or very high levels of consolidation in Medicare Advantage markets, with UnitedHealthcare and Humana owning the most plans nationwide.
Steward sues former CEO over alleged pilfering that contributed to bankruptcy
Former Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre, MD, and other executives are accused in a $1.4 billion legal filing of paying themselves hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses, despite the health system being insolvent.
Patients who visit providers via telemedicine undergo significantly fewer imaging exams
Researchers with the Neiman Health Policy Institute recently investigated how COVID-related care site shifts impacted diagnostic radiology, sharing their findings in JACR.

Time running out to comment on higher cardiac CT payments

Imaging experts have said the move could reshape the financial landscape for hospitals offering Cardiac CT services.

money court scale of justice ruling legal settlement

Arbitrators settle Radiology Partners-UnitedHealthcare dispute, vacating $134M award to RP

“While the result was surprising and unsatisfying, we are nevertheless pleased that the panel rejected any recovery to UHC," the California-based practice said on Thursday.

State passes law granting attorney general more authority to review private equity healthcare deals

Annual private equity investment in healthcare reached $83B billion three years ago, but these transactions have faced little scrutiny to ensure they are in the public’s best interest, sponsors note.

Hospital completes $12M expansion of its radiology department

Allegheny Valley Hospital is offering a new mobile MRI truck, among other upgrades, which will add 40 new appointment slots per week.

Rite Aid emerges from bankruptcy with $2.5B in new financing

The pharmacy chain is now a leaner private company, having dropped $2 billion in outstanding debts.

breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

State becomes the 26th to pass legislation bolstering breast imaging coverage

“Exorbitant” OOP costs for ultrasounds and MRIs may be keeping women from undergoing these follow-up exams, or forcing them to make “significant financial sacrifices,” notes Susan G. Komen.

UnitedHealthcare releases details on new ‘gold card’ program impacting over 100 radiology CPT codes

One physician criticized UHC's effort to reduce the burden of prior authorization, calling it a "good PR project."

Segmed, a startup that gathers medical imaging data for AI development, raises $10M

Toronto venture capital firm iGan Partners and 67-hospital Advocate Health led the Series A financing round with participation from other investors.

Economics

Heartflow, a leader in AI-powered imaging evaluations, files for IPO

Whole-body MRI ‘longevity’ firm hits 10,000 users, charging up to $19,000 for annual membership

Two insurers dominate most Medicare Advantage markets, report finds

Steward sues former CEO over alleged pilfering that contributed to bankruptcy

Patients who visit providers via telemedicine undergo significantly fewer imaging exams