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.

Las Vegas

HLTH24 in Las Vegas: Highlighted news and announcements

The popular annual conference that brings in diverse healthcare professionals from all over the world is wrapping up. Here are some of the big announcements.

Surgeons Operating On Patient

Compensation jumps 6% for heart surgeons, hits all-time high for vascular surgeons

While production is relatively unchanged compared to the previous year, compensation is up significantly for cardiovascular surgeons in the United States. 

Bipartisan group of 233 House members call for Medicare reform

In a letter, the undersigned asked Congress to halt cuts to Medicare reimbursement and enact a permanent system to adjust rates to inflation. 

Wartime powers enacted to address nationwide IV fluid shortage

The Biden Administration has invoked parts of the Defense Production Act to address shortages that stem from Hurricane Helene damaging a Baxter production facility in North Carolina. 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis Example

New Category I CPT code issued for AI-enabled coronary plaque analysis software

The news comes just days after CMS confirmed these technologies would start receiving expanded Medicare coverage in November. HeartFlow and other AI vendors have already shared their excitement over the decision. 

cardiologist salary and compensation data

Cardiologist compensation still rising, especially in invasive and interventional cardiology

Updated compensation data includes good news for multiple subspecialties. The new report also examines private equity's impact on employment models and how much male cardiologists earn compared to females.

Employee parking lot is a sea of mud and storm debris at the the Baxter North Cove facility. Photo by Aerial Lens.

Baxter begins importing IV supplies as 86% of providers report shortages

Hurricane Helene severely damaged Baxter's plant near Asheville, North Carolina, leading to a nationwide shortage of IV fluid bags. 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis

CMS updates Medicare coverage for AI-powered coronary plaque assessments

The new policy goes into effect in November, improving Medicare coverage for a technology that has rapidly gained momentum in recent years.

Around the web

Heart Rhythm Society President Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD, detailed a new advocacy group focused on improving EP reimbursements, patient care and access. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu," he said.

CMS finalized a significant policy change when it increased the Medicare payments hospitals receive for performing CCTA exams. What, exactly, does the update mean for cardiologists, billing specialists and other hospital employees?

Stryker, a global medtech company based out of Michigan, has kicked off 2025 with a bit of excitement. The company says Inari’s peripheral vascular portfolio is highly complementary to its own neurovascular portfolio.