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.

Oregon health system, cardiothoracic surgeon agree to pay $430K to settle fraud allegations

According to the U.S. government, Asante Health System and one of its surgeons knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for more than six years.

January 18, 2024

Woman files lawsuit claiming Panera’s highly caffeinated beverages gave her heart issues

The 28-year-old woman says she drank two and a half Charged Lemonade drinks and was in the emergency room the very next day. According to her lawsuit, she was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and is now taking daily heart medications.

January 18, 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.

Integer acquires medical device specialists with experience in structural heart, electrophysiology for $140M

Integer's estimated 2023 sales nearly reached $1.6 billion, up 16% compared to 2022. According to the company's statement, this acquisition helps expand its footprint in several key markets.

January 17, 2024

Eli Lilly and Company launches online marketplace with home delivery to combat ‘complex’ healthcare system

The news comes as more and more medications, including Lilly's own tirzepatide, are being used to treat both obesity and diabetes.

January 4, 2024

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network, recently announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Complete Care to acquire a majority of its long-term care facilities.

Falls, infections much more likely among Medicare patients treated at private equity-owned hospitals

Private equity is becoming more and more influential in many healthcare specialties, including cardiology. This has prompted increased speculation about the impact such investments may have on patient outcomes.

January 3, 2024

CardioMech mitral valve repair from CardioMech AS, a Norway-based medical device company focused on structural heart disease, has raised $13 million. This new funding is expected to go toward the continued development of CardioMech’s transcatheter mitral valve repair offering for patients presenting with degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR).

Medical device company raises $13M for new mitral valve repair technology

To date, the company has raised $42 million to develop its transcatheter mitral valve repair system.

January 2, 2024

Video of Yousif Ahmad, MD, Yale, discussing IVL advances and increased reinbursements

Tracking key advances in intravascular lithotripsy

Yousif Ahmad, MD, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about the latest advances in IVL therapy, including new reimbursement changes for the technology.

January 2, 2024

Cardiologists make a familiar plea, urging Congress to eliminate impending Medicare cuts

Congress has already adjourned for the year without taking action, but U.S. medical societies are hoping relief from significant Medicare cuts will arrive in early 2024.

December 21, 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

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