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.

Employee parking lot is a sea of mud and storm debris at the the Baxter North Cove facility. Photo by Aerial Lens.

Baxter begins importing IV supplies as 86% of providers report shortages

Hurricane Helene severely damaged Baxter's plant near Asheville, North Carolina, leading to a nationwide shortage of IV fluid bags. 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis

CMS updates Medicare coverage for AI-powered coronary plaque assessments

The new policy goes into effect in November, improving Medicare coverage for a technology that has rapidly gained momentum in recent years.

Humana

Radiology groups express ‘profound objection’ to Humana labeling interventional service as ‘unproven’

The Society of Interventional Radiology and others are concerned about commercial plan coverage for closed-loop spinal cord stimulation, a key pain-management technique. 

Elizabeth Warren

Members of Congress introduce bill to halt private equity ‘looting’ of healthcare entities

The Stop Wall Street Looting Act closes regulatory loopholes and ends incentives that allow investors to “pillage” acquired businesses, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and colleagues note.  

mammography mammogram breast imaging

US Radiology Specialists expands pipeline for attracting techs amid ‘critical shortage’

The Raleigh, North Carolina, imaging group is broadening the reach of its Technologist Advancement Academy, which provides specialized training and career pathways for employees.  

money maze benjamin franklin reimbursement medicare

Radiologists and other physicians reject proposal to consolidate MAC jurisdictions

CMS sent out its request for information in September, mulling the possibility of reducing 4 Medicare Administrative Contractor districts down to 2. 

radiologist radiology pay compensation money dollar

‘Modern hospital systems have never dealt with the type of leverage that radiologists currently wield’

That's according to an essay published by an anonymous physician on KevinMD.com, which generated recent buzz on social media. 

Solis Mammography

Private equity-backed Solis Mammography acquires another radiology practice

“The nation's largest independent provider of specialized breast health services” is adding Breast Center of Acadiana and its two Louisiana locations.