50 factoids illuminate key drivers of healthcare costs

Dave Pearson | | Radiology Business | Economics

The prices hospitals set for a series of common procedures increased by more than 10% between 2011 and 2013. That’s a faster surge than the rate of inflation—and it’s just one of 50 “things to know about healthcare costs” as spotlighted in a mid-year report from Becker’s Hospital CFO.

Also on the list:

  • The U.S. population is about 320 million, making 2015 the first year healthcare spending will reach $10,000 per person.
  • Total health spending related to services from physicians and clinics spiked almost 101.7% from 2000 to 2013.
  • Health insurance premium rates rose 4.9% in 2012 and 8.5% in 2011.
  • Employers expect the cost of complying with the Affordable Care Act to continue increasing next year and beyond.

To see the other 45 items, along with links to original info sources, click here.

Dave Pearson
Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

Related Content

Cardiology practices pay $17.7M to settle fraud allegations brought on by whistleblowers
Congress ditches doc fix in stopgap end-of-year funding bill
Teleradiology provider inks post-acute care deal worth $1.5M annually
US Radiology Specialists affiliate expands into new market
Radiologist rails against insurer’s refusal to cover key interventional service
Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate rejects MRI contrast coverage, labeling it ‘investigational’

Around the web

Health Imaging
Nearly $800,000 settlement offered to family of man who died during MRI exam

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

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.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

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.