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.

iCAD Reports Second Quarter 2016 Financial Results

NASHUA, N.H., July 27, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iCAD, Inc. (Nasdaq:ICAD), an industry-leading provider of advanced image analysis, workflow solutions and radiation therapy for the early identification and treatment of cancer, today reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.

Johns Hopkins study challenges efficacy of hormone receptor test for breast cancer patients

Hospitals nationwide are wasting time and money on unnecessary hormone receptor tests for breast cancer patients, according to the results of a Johns Hopkins study.

Have we reached ‘peak tech’ in healthcare innovation?

Citing 3D imaging as an example of a high-cost medical technology with unclear benefits to patients, the authors of a review article posted August 8 in the Harvard Business Review make the case that gee-whiz advances have passed their peak as means of achieving optimal safety and efficacy.

Freestanding ERs bloom in Texas, raising questions about costs and benefits

Reflecting a national trend, freestanding emergency departments are sprouting in the Lone Star State, where there are now more than 200. 

In rural Wisconsin, telehealth brings ‘a way to keep sicker patients here and not transfer them'

In some of the more remote counties in the Badger State, telemedicine—including teleradiology—enables small hospitals to serve up modern medicine for rural residents close to where they live. 

For some docs, direct patient care + discounted rad services = freedom

A Florida primary-care physician who gave up the red tape of reimbursement for the hands-on of monthly retainer payments directly from patients—and for a single, discounted contract with a radiology practice—has gotten her story told in the local newspaper.

RSNA foundation awards a record $4 million to up-and-coming researchers, scholars

By the time 2016 is in the books, RSNA’s Research & Education Foundation will have supported 101 young researchers in 54 academic medical institutions to the tune of $4 million in grants. 

ACR preliminarily pleased with 2017 physician fee schedule

Last Thursday, CMS proposed changes in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). The American College of Radiology quickly said it would be reviewing the details in the coming weeks and—in advance of that activity as well as of the September 6 comment deadline—noted its overall approval of the proposed rule as released. 

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.