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.

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CMS: No risk corridor funding for 2015

Insurers requesting risk corridor payments to cover losses on the exchanges in 2015 won’t get any money, with CMS saying all the funding available will be put toward the existing shortfall for the 2014 benefit year.

3M acquires Semfinder to help with rollout of EMR platforms

As conglomerate manufacturing company 3M continues to build up its healthcare records and population analytics platforms, it has acquired Semfinder, a Switzerland-based medical coding technology company.

Risk adjustment needed for joint replacement bundled payment model

Medicare’s mandatory bundled payment model for knee and hip replacement will penalize hospitals which take care of complex patients, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

How quality post-surgery care can achieve value in bundled payment models

Medicare costs were lower when beneficiaries received surgeries at hospitals with lower mortality rates and higher patient satisfaction scores, according to a study published in the journal Health Affairs, which may illustrate the importance of post-acute care for bundled payment models.  

AHA asks for delay in ‘site-neutral’ payment proposal from CMS

The proposed rule to stop reimbursing off-campus facilities at the same rate as outpatient units based within hospitals could lead to facilities violating physician self-referral laws, according to the American Hospital Association.

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Australian hearing device emphasizes discreet aid

A new, more discrete hearing aid by Australia-based Cochlear Limited will be hitting the market this fall.

Gelesis appoints two new executives, gears up for product launch

Biotechnology company Gelesis named a new CEO and vice president of medical affairs as it prepares to launch Gelesis100, the company’s first weight loss pill.

Health IT improves patient care in nursing homes but is hampered by lack of funding

Researchers from the University of Missouri explored the importance of health information technology in the hope of raising awareness for seniors in nursing homes.

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.