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.

Affordability, politics will dictate health insurance trends in 2017

This year is likely to be a “period of uncertainty and flux” for health insurers due to the political debate on repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to Deloitte’s 2017 health insurance industry outlook.

Acknowledging biases improves geriatric care

Being aware of biases improves healthcare decisions, according to the Gerontological Society of America. A new report, “Recognizing Hidden Traps in Health Care Decision Making," provides guidelines to overcome barriers in providing care to elderly patients.

3D printing’s next step: Precision membranes

3D printing has improved the areas of medicine, art and manufacturing—and it is now journeying into the realm of membrane engineering. Researchers from the University of Bath have hope in the future of 3D printing techniques to improve membrane capabilities with precision construction.

Rural hospitals’ revenue would be squeezed if Medicaid expansion rolled back

Almost 700 rural hospitals have been deemed at risk of closing thanks to financial struggles. As Kaiser Health News reports, the loss of expanded Medicaid could push those facilities over the edge. 

Systematic review on repeat cesareans find procedure costlier, less effective

Cesarean deliveries make up for 32 percent of the four million annual births in the U.S., but do these procedures have negative side effects when chosen over vaginal births? A review conducted by the University of Alabama and published in Value in Health found women who have a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) or an elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD) face higher rates of morbidity.

Children's toy inspires powerless centrifuge for malaria tests

In rural area with no access to electricity, Manu Prakash saw a centrifuge being used as a doorstop. Walking around the village he noticed children playing with a paper and string toy and a lifesaving idea popped into his head.

Performance measures cut costs, improve care in warfarin patients

Not having set guidelines for managing patients on warfarin is costing hospitals and physicians a fortune. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have developed new performance measures to help these clinicians improve the management of patients on warfarin. 

Court to decide whether Illinois nonprofit hospitals have to pay property tax

The Illinois Supreme Court will hear a case challenging the property tax exemption for nonprofit hospitals in the state.

Around the web

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.

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.