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.

Molina Healthcare to cut 1,400 jobs

Managed care and Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange insurer Molina Healthcare is planning to lay off about 10 percent of its employees in the firm’s corporate and health plan divisions by the end of the September, amounting to a layoff of 1,400 people.

More than half of neurology fellows experience burnout

A recent study, published in Neurology, found more than half of neurology fellows experience at least one symptom of burnout.

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Q&A: Avalere finds most ACOs would benefit from taking on downside risk with APM bonus

If the 5 percent bonus payment in the Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APMs) track was available in 2015, accountable care organizations (ACOs) would’ve earned additional net payments of $886 million if they had assumed downside risk under the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).

Virtual reality system recreates real-life tasks to improve patient development

Saebo, a producer of medical devices focused on engagement and development, has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its SaeboVR software system. The system is a rehabilitation program designed to use virtual reality to help patients engage in physical and cognitive activities.

M&A activity increased among larger systems in 2nd quarter

Thirty-one partnership transactions among hospitals and health systems were announced in the second quarter of 2017, and 58 have been announced so far this year, according to an analysis on merger and acquisition (M&A) activity by Skokie, Ill.-based consulting firm Kaufman Hall.

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Physician compensation up nearly 3%; productivity, collections flat as costs rise

Most doctors saw a similar increase in compensation last year as they had in 2015, with an average raise of 2.9 percent across all specialties reported in the American Medical Group Association’s (AMGA) annual medical group compensation and productivity survey. Productivity, however, remained flat, and the move to value-based incentives in compensation continues to be slower than anticipated.

Google Glass eyes more significant role in healthcare

Google is hoping to become a bigger player in healthcare with recent improvement to Google Glass. A recent blog post, published by project lead Jay Kothari, showcased improvements to Glass aimed at integration into healthcare.

AHA disputes POLITICO story on hospitals decreasing community spending post-ACA

A POLITICO analysis said while the nation’s top hospitals saw a big jump in revenue after the Affordable Care Act took effect, they spent less on the charity care and community benefit spending often used to justify their tax-exempt status.

Around the web

RBMA President Peter Moffatt discusses declining reimbursement rates, recruiting challenges and the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the industry.

Mark Isenberg, executive vice president of Zotec Partners, discusses key developments that will reshape the specialty this year. 

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.