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.

Imaging center operator Akumin announces CEO’s departure following board of directors vote

After closing its purchase of Alliance Healthcare, the company had deployed two chief executives, but ended the arrangement March 18.

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Radiology Partners’ revenues reach more than $2B, a 13-fold increase in five years

Rad Partners has “aggressively” acquired imaging groups in recent years, leaving the company highly leveraged, S&P Global analysts reported. 

Congress dome capitol Washington

‘Deeply troubled’: Doc groups blast MedPAC call for zero physician services pay update in 2023

Congress has provided billions in relief during the public health emergency, and patient volumes continue to rebound, the commission contended. 

Examples of two lung cancers that were caught using low dose CT lung screening. Image from RSNA

Q&A: What updated reimbursement policies could mean for CT lung screening rates in the United States

The ACR said a recent reimbursement rule change for low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung screen scans will help open up screening to more patients. 

RadNet shifts strategy toward building new imaging centers amid challenging real estate market

The company has 15 sites in various stages of construction and development, with almost half occurring in existing hospital joint venture deals.

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Radiology vendor Merit Medical reportedly exploring sale with $3.5B potential price tag

Private equity firms have shown interest, and the publicly traded company is now working with an investment bank to solicit bids, Reuters reported. 

Butterfly Network Ultrasound

Fujifilm files suit against rival ultrasound maker Butterfly Network claiming patent infringement

A Butterfly Network spokesperson said the company has a "robust" portfolio of patents and plans to defend itself against any claims in court. 

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$9.5M jury award after CT reveals surgical sponge left in woman for 5 years

A radiologist spotted the sponge during a subsequent ED visit, but the info never made it to the patient nor the ordering physician.

Around the web

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.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.