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.

‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use
U.S. physicians often receive payments from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. New research in JAMA found a connection between receiving such payments and using specific devices—should the industry be concerned?
Medicare reimbursement down 29% for cardiologists, 58% for heart surgeons
Physician payments are down slightly across the board, but they've fallen significantly for a handful of specialties. Researchers examined the long-term impact this trend could have on patient care.
Cardiologists, thoracic surgeons applaud FTC’s ban of most noncompete clauses
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons have both shared statements in support of the ban, which is already being challenged in court. The American Hospital Association, meanwhile, opposes the policy shift, saying it “errs by seeking to create a one-size-fits-all rule”
Why the business side of cardiology was a key focus at ACC.24
Alison Bailey, MD, co-chair of the business of cardiology sessions at ACC.24, emphasized that reimbursement cuts can have a long-term negative impact on patient.
Motivation helps heart patients stay active
Alexander Fanaroff, MD, said the late-breaking BE ACTIVE clinical trial presented at ACC.24 offers a blueprint for how to get patients to be more physically active.

Cardiologists at heart of alleged kickback scheme—imaging provider, CEO to pay $85M to settle

The allegations revolve around payments referring cardiologists received to supervise PET scans from March 2014 to May 2023.

October 11, 2023

Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons push insurance company to rethink billing policy

The American College of Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons raised the issue, which is related to the billing of transcatheter heart procedures such as TAVR.

October 9, 2023

Top trends in cardiac CT from SCCT 2023

Cardiac CT has been evolving rapidly in recent years. Brian Ghoshhajra, MD, outlined some of the main trends he has seen at the 2023 annual meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography.

October 6, 2023

‘We share a common vision’: Private equity-backed cardiology management group partners with MedAxiom, ACC

The group's roster of 17 like-minded cardiology practices now has access to MedAxiom's practice management tools and other key resources.

October 4, 2023

Video interviuew with Ginger Biesbrock, DSc, PA-C, FACC, executive vice president of MedAxiom, on the "Financial Impact of Cardiac CT to the Cardiovascular Service Line" report at SCCT 2023. #SCCT #YesCCT #Medaxiom

Cardiac CT's financial impact on the cardiovascular service line

Implementing cardiac CT can make a big impact across the service line without reducing the use of other modalities. Ginger Biesbrock, MedAxiom's executive vice president, explained these findings in a new video interview.

October 4, 2023

Cardiologist compensation much higher at hospitals and health systems than private practices—and the gap is widening

A new 57-page report from MedAxiom explored the latest data on compensation, production, staffing and medical imaging offerings among cardiology programs in the United States.

October 3, 2023

Mark Rabbat, MD, director of cardica CT at Loyola, discusses legislative advocacy efforts by SCCT to gain wider reimbursement for cardiac CT. #SCCT #SCCT23 #SCCT2023

SCCT hopes to increase cardiac CT reimbursements through advocacy

Mark Rabbat, MD, discusses the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography's efforts to make an impact by lobbying in Washington.

October 3, 2023

Report: Private equity firm exploring deal worth more than $7B to acquire 2 Medtronic businesses

Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest private equity firms, is reportedly working to buy the two business units and turn them into a brand new company.

October 2, 2023

Around the web

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Radiology Business

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Economics

‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use

Medicare reimbursement down 29% for cardiologists, 58% for heart surgeons

Cardiologists, thoracic surgeons applaud FTC’s ban of most noncompete clauses

Why the business side of cardiology was a key focus at ACC.24

Motivation helps heart patients stay active

Around the web