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.

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Jane Kilkenny named new VP of US MR business division at Siemens Healthineers

Siemens Healthineers announced this week that Jane Kilkenny will be the company’s new vice president of U.S. magnetic resonance (MR) business management.

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VA’s cancellation of 250K imaging exams threatens lives of U.S. veterans

The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs inspector general is auditing mass cancellations at eight VA medical centers across the country to determine if the VA processed and managed radiology requests in a timely and appropriate manner since 2016, USA Today reported on Oct. 1.

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Industry groups, ACR call on Congress to pass Medicare bill for virtual colonoscopy coverage

Multiple patient and provider groups have joined the American College of Radiology (ACR) in a call on Congress to pass the CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act (S.3456/H.R. 1298), according to an ACR release.

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US, China impose additional tariffs in growing trade war that could impact medical imaging

In the latest in an international trade war, China has imposed $60 billion in tariffs on imported U.S. goods on Monday, Sept. 17, in retaliation against President Donald Trump imposing $200 billion worth in tariffs on Chinese imported goods—including medical imaging equipment and other healthcare technologies, NPR reports.

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Out-of-pocket price transparency saves radiology revenue, improves patient satisfaction

Patients with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) continue to see out-of-pocket costs rise. Despite this, healthcare prices remain largely a mystery to consumers—but what if a hospital helped families better understand their potential out-of-pocket expenses?

TriMedx to buy Aramark healthcare division, including imaging tech services, for $300M

On Monday, Sept. 17, Indianapolis-based TriMedx announced plans to buy the healthcare technologies division of Aramark Corporation for $300 million. The two companies have signed a definitive agreement and expect the transaction to be completed by the end of the year.

ACR seeks congressional support for Medicare coverage of CT colon cancer screening

Roughly 30 U.S. senators and congressional representatives were sought to cosponsor the CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2017—H.R. 1298—at a Capitol Hill briefing on Wednesday, Sept. 12. The meeting was sponsored by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, according to an ACR press release.

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Medicare spends $400M a year on prostate cancer treatment for elderly men

Despite national guidelines advising against prostate cancer screening in men 70 or older, researchers from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that prostate cancer care for this demographic costs Medicare more than $400 million a year, according to a study published Sept. 13 in JAMA Oncology.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.