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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Johnson & Johnson buys depression drug and its manufacturer for $15B

The drug Caplyta, owned by Intra-Cellular Therapies, is being used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In 2024, it brought in more than $481 million in sales. 

HRS President Ken Ellenbogen, MD, FHRS, explains the need for the Heart Rhythm Advocates lobby group in Washington, D.C. to push for policies in Congress over reimbursements.

Why electrophysiologists needed a champion in Washington

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.

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UnitedHealth, Amedisys ask federal judge to dismiss DOJ lawsuit blocking $3.3B merger

The companies argue that the U.S. Department of Justice has failed to adequately demonstrate how, and in which regions of the country, the merger would harm competition. They are asking a federal court to throw out the case.

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UnitedHealth shareholders push company to report on impact of claims denials

The motion is being advanced by religious groups and hedge funds alike, with the decision to develop a report set to be voted on at the UnitedHealth Group 2025 annual meeting.

Reimbursement update: What hospitals need to know about new Medicare payments for cardiac CT

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?

Healthcare systems set up at the ACC.24 career fair in hopes of filling open positions, including a large and growing number of general cardiologist positions. Photo by Dave Fornell #ACC24 #ACC2024

Healthcare, AI top list of fastest growing jobs

While artificial intelligence engineers and consultants took the top two spots, physical therapists and advanced practice providers also landed among the 25 fastest growing jobs in the U.S. 

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Boston Scientific enters IVL arms race with acquisition worth up to $664M

Boston Scientific has agreed to acquire Bolt Medical, a California-based medical device company focused on developing new intravascular lithotripsy technologies. The news comes less than one year after Johnson & Johnson acquired IVL pioneers Shockwave Medical for $13 billion.

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$49B in medical debt to be erased from credit reports

A new final rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau bans reporting agencies from including medical debts on credit reports or factoring them into credit scores.

Around the web

The American College of Cardiology has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlines some of the organization’s central priorities and concerns. 

One product is being pulled from the market, and the other is receiving updated instructions for use.

If the Trump administration continues taking a laissez-faire stance toward AI—including AI used in healthcare—why not let the states go it alone on regulating the technology?