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.

Cardiologist sues psychiatrist, seeks $27 million in damages

A cardiologist in Florida has filed a lawsuit against a psychiatrist who performed electroconvulsive therapy while treating him for depression, Courtroom View Network reports.

Abbott: Revenue increased in 3rd quarter for coronary devices, endovascular products

For the third quarter of 2016, Abbott’s sales increased 2.9 percent to $5.3 billion compared with the same time period last year. The company also posted a $0.24 loss in diluted earnings per share, which it said was primarily due to a $0.66 per share adjustment related to its investment in Mylan.

St. Jude Medical criticizes release of videos alleging its cardiac devices are vulnerable to hacking

Shortly after a research firm posted videos Oct. 19 that allegedly showed cybersecurity vulnerabilities with St. Jude Medical’s cardiac devices, the company issued a statement criticizing the release of the videos.

Cryoballoon catheter ablation saves money, leads to fewer rehospitalizations

Patients with atrial fibrillation who received cryoballoon catheter ablation had lower healthcare costs and fewer rehospitalizations and repeat ablations compared with those who received radiofrequency ablation, according to a health economic analysis.

Medtronic, Boston Scientific, other device makers support Minnesota congressman

Medical device makers are supporting Minnesota Congressman Erik Paulsen in his bid for re-election, STAT reports.

Theranos sued by largest investor, amid other problems

Theranos, the health technology and medical laboratory services company in Palo Alto, California, has already had a slew of problems this year. It’s currently under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and has plans to lay off 340 employees after announcing that it will close laboratories and wellness centers in Arizona, California and Pennsylvania.

St. Jude Medical warns of premature battery depletion in some cardiac devices

St. Jude Medical issued an advisory Oct. 11 warning of premature battery depletion associated with lithium deposits in a small number of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy ICDs.

Theranos closes laboratories, lays off 340 employees

Theranos founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes announced on Oct. 5 that the blood testing company would close its laboratories and wellness centers in Arizona, California and Pennsylvania.

Around the web

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.