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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FDA approves first HPV test for use with SurePath Preservative Fluid

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first test for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The method uses cervical cells collected with SurePath Preservative Fluid.

DOJ reportedly has ‘significant concerns’ about Aetna-Humana merger

Reuters is reporting the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has concerns about the antitrust implications of Aetna’s $34 billion proposed acquisition of Humana, according to an anonymous source within the department.

Google plans to use artificial intelligence to detect eye diseases

Google is planning to teach a computer to detect certain kinds of eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. 

Study: Insurer spending on specialty drugs skyrocketed from 2003-14

Commercial insurance plans dedicated almost four times as much of their prescription drug spending to specialty drugs in 2014 than in 2003, with the number of specialty prescriptions tripling in the same time frame.

CHIME applauds CMS recommendation for 90-day reporting period

After the recommendation of the 90-day reporting period by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), CHIME has offered its support of the decision.

“Zapping” the cancer away

Soon, physicians might be able to help patients “zap the cancer away” with the development of the effect electric fields have on cancer cells.

New screening test for biomarkers are able to determine recurrence of colon cancer at better rates

Researchers from Ludwig have found a way to use biomarkers in blood to determine the rate of reoccurrence for colon cancer and the efficacy of chemotherapy following surgery. 

FTC won’t challenge West Virginia hospital merger

After a string of losses for the Federal Trade Commission on blocking hospital consolidation, the agency voted to drop its administrative complaint against the proposed merger between two West Virginia hospitals.

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.