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.

Cutting reimbursements will cost more in the long run

The current physician piecemeal reimbursement model ultimately drives up the costs of healthcare according to Sandeep Jauhar, MD. In a New York Times editorial he explains that while overutilization is certainly a factor, cutting payments to physicians is a self-defeating strategy, forcing them to increase the number of patients they see, which reduces the amount of time spent with each one. Busy doctors call on others to help with the patient load, often times specialists who may order more tests, driving up costs. "There is no more wasteful entity in medicine than a rushed doctor," says Jauhar.  

Progressive Radiology Now Providing Expert Medical Imaging for Chicago Area Patients and Medical Providers

Progressive Radiology, the largest radiologist owned and operated medical imaging practice in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area today announced its strategic acquisition of five Illinois MRI centers from MIDI, LLC. Progressive Radiology’s acquisition of the Chicago, Crystal Lake, Round Lake, Skokie and Tinley Park centers will benefit Chicago metropolitan area patients as well as referring medical providers, hospitals, universities and professional sports teams. 

MGMA takes exception with payor fees for ETF transactions

The Medical Group Management Association expresses its concern about the improper use of virtual credit cards and unreasonable fees charged by payors for electronic funds transfer in a letter addressed to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.

Elsevier Acquires Amirsys, Provider of Healthcare Information Solutions and Content for Radiology, Pathology, and Anatomy

Philadelphia, PA, June 12, 2014 – Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, announced today the acquisition of Amirsys.

Integrated Medical Partners Launches Radiology-Centric Solution, 'Integrated Radiology Partners' At 2014 RBMA Radiology Summit

MILWAUKEE, May 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrated Medical Partners (IMP) today launched Integrated Radiology Partners (IRP), a solution set specifically designed to address the evolving business and clinical needs of radiology practice leadership. The new brand was introduced at the Radiology Business Management Association's 2014 Radiology Summit, May 4-7 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Hardest job in America?

An interview with WellPoint’s chief actuary in the Wall Street Journal suggests just how challenging pricing healthcare products has become as ACA rolls out in fits and starts.

Is bigger better?

Many in healthcare, from health systems to physician practices, are responding to the current uncertainty in healthcare by bulking up, an instinct likely programmed into our neural systems in prehistoric times. The Federal Trade Commission pushed back when it filed suit against Boise, ID-based St. Luke’s Health System’s purchase of the 43-physician Saltzer Medical Group on anticompetitive grounds, and a federal judge agreed, ordering that the merger be dissolved. 

ACR and Coding Strategies, Inc. Partner to Provide Physician-Focused ICD-10 Training

The American College of Radiology (ACR) in conjunction with Coding Strategies, Inc. (CSI), has launched a series of audio and video podcasts designed specifically for radiology physicians.

Around the web

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

After reviewing years of data from its clinic, one institution discovered that issues with implant data integrity frequently put patients at risk. 

Prior to the final proposal’s release, the American College of Radiology reached out to CMS to offer its recommendations on payment rates for five out of the six the new codes.

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