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.

Private equity-backed cardiology group acquires Arizona practice with 4 locations
Florida-based Cardiovascular Associates of America has expanded its roster to include a team of 14 cardiologists and advanced practitioners in Arizona.
‘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.

Medtronic shared new STROKE AF data on the Reveal Linq ICM

Medtronic ICM a cost-effective approach for reducing the risk of ischemic stroke

Remote monitoring with the Reveal Linq insertable cardiac monitor can improve outcomes without breaking the bank, according to new data being presented at the International Stroke Conference in Phoenix.

February 7, 2024

DOJ targets former imaging executive with new complaint over alleged kickback scheme

Back in October, a mobile cardiac imaging provider and its CEO agreed to pay $85 million to settle allegations they had participated in a kickback scheme. This latest DOJ complaint focuses on a former executive not named in that initial settlement.

February 6, 2024

Historic growth: Cleveland Clinic hires 4 new cardiothoracic surgeons to keep up with rising demand

One of the world's leading heart hospitals is seeing significant growth. This represents the first time it has hired four new cardiothoracic surgeons in a single 12-month period.

February 6, 2024

Procyrion's Aortix percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) device targets acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS).

Heart failure specialists raise $58M for new device designed to improve cardiac, renal function

Researchers are presently tracking the safety and effectiveness of the new device in patients with ADHF compared to diuretics alone.

February 5, 2024

Florida cardiology practices unite with help from private equity-backed cardiovascular group

The two neighboring practices have joined forces to provide improved cardiovascular care for patients throughout the Sunshine State.

January 29, 2024

money business cash flow dollar. Kingsway Financial Services, a Chicago-based holding company with subsidiaries in several industries, has acquired New Jersey-based Digital Diagnostics Imaging (DDI) for $11 million. The transaction was funded with $5.4 million in cash and $5.6 million in debt financing.

FFR-guided PCI linked to significant cost savings

Researchers tracked data from more than 500 PCI patients, exploring the cost-effectiveness and safety of multiple treatment options.

January 25, 2024

HeartFlow’s AI-powered CAD offering receives new CPT code with improved reimbursement rate

For this update to be finalized, the American Medical Association had to determine FFR_CTAnalysis met certain requirements in terms of its overall impact on patient care. John Farquhar, CEO of HeartFlow, described the news as "a win for everyone involved, most notably patients."

January 24, 2024

Medicare money payment reimbursement dollar decline. More than 100 U.S. medical societies are throwing their support behind a new proposal that could reform out-of-date Medicare policies and help limit future payment cuts.

Cardiologists speak out about reimbursement cuts, say Congress ‘left clinicians holding the bag’

When Congress passed its latest continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown, it provided no relief for cardiologists and other physicians impacted by ongoing Medicare reimbursement cuts. The American College of Cardiology responded to this development with yet another plea for change.

January 22, 2024

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

Private equity-backed cardiology group acquires Arizona practice with 4 locations

‘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

Around the web