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.

Medicare proposes paying for interventional radiology procedure to treat resistant hypertension

The Society of Interventional Radiology recently weighed in on the proposal, expressing concern about requirements to employ a "hypertension navigator."

Heartflow president and CEO John Farquhar celebrate the company's IPO by ringing Nasdaq's the ceremonial opening bell.

Heartflow raises $364M with IPO, rings Nasdaq opening bell

Heartflow has officially gone public after selling more than 19 million shares of common stock during an upsized IPO. The California medtech company, known for its AI-powered CCTA evaluations, is now being traded on Nasdaq under the symbol HTFL.

Cardiac amyloidosis ATTR-CM drug promotion at the 2024 American Heart Association meeting.

High cost of cardiac amyloidosis drugs may limit access for low-income patients

"We cannot accept a system where only those with means can benefit from life-changing drugs. We are a wealthy nation that spends trillions on healthcare. We must ensure that income and wealth do not determine access," explained JACC Editor-in-Chief Harlan M. Krumholz, MD.

Imaging groups urge Trump administration to exempt radiopharmaceuticals, medical isotopes from tariffs

Six physician professional associations recently made their case in a letter to Howard Lutnick, secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Heartflow artificial intelligence CCTA images

Imaging AI vendor Heartflow raises $364M from ‘upsized’ public stock offering

Based in Mountain View, California, and founded in 2007, Heartflow had originally hoped to raise about $100 million from the IPO, but the tally ballooned amid sizable interest.

Radiology staffing shortages force health system to temporarily shutter imaging centers

Anderson Healthcare in Maryville, Illinois, said it's short on techs and rads and facing weeklong delays in report turnaround times.

Radiologists say bill to grant pharmacists more authority could have ‘dangerous long-term consequences’

Bipartisan senators recently reintroduced the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, which could help fill care gaps in rural geographies.

RadNet touts successful efforts to boost advanced imaging interest, with PET/CT volumes up 16%

Investments in MRI software, expanded CT offerings on both coasts, and new PET products have all helped increase advanced imaging to about 27.5% of RadNet's procedural volumes.

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