Ron Southwick

The number of mergers and acquisitions is well below the transactions seen a year ago.

Some breaches affected millions of Americans. Hospital systems and other companies with health records experienced cyberattacks and other types of breaches.

Ransomware groups have targeted hospitals for years, but they are also going after outpatient facilities and smaller providers.

The legislation includes a provision ensuring Americans can get access to telehealth on a pre-deductible basis. Kyle Zebley of the American Telemedicine Association says the measure helps millions of patients.

Deals picked up a bit in the second quarter, Kaufman Hall says. But the number of transactions in the first six months of the year trails the number of mergers seen in the first half of 2024.

Lawmakers added a $50 billion fund to aid rural hospitals, but healthcare leaders say the money won’t offset other losses due to Medicaid cuts.

The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative has purchased the St. Joseph’s Hospital, which closed last year. The cooperative is looking to build a new hospital.

The Indiana-based system has completed a deal to acquire four Ascension hospitals in Michigan, along with a host of clinics.

Edward Jimenez, the new CEO of Main Line Health, says healthcare executives should look to assemble teams of complementary members who make everyone better.

Several state hospital groups are warning of reduced access to care for patients, and more financial pressures for health systems. Hospitals can’t just absorb cuts, they said.

The nine-story building offers outpatient care with more than 25 specialty clinics. The tower also offers research facilities.

Health systems say the passage of the legislation means millions will lose Medicaid coverage. They warn that hospitals could reduce services or shut down.

Pediatric hospitals treat a high volume of patients who are covered by Medicaid. Matt Cook, president of the Children’s Hospital Association, says Medicaid cuts will mean less resources to treat more patients.

Millions could lose Medicaid coverage and hospitals face the loss of billions. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, says everyone will be affected.

The Senate signed off on a tax package that hospitals adamantly opposed, saying it would leave millions without Medicaid coverage. Hospitals say it would do significant damage.

Congress is close to finalizing a tax and spending package that would force millions to lose Medicaid coverage. Emergency doctors and nurses are warning of what may be coming.

Heritage Valley Health System's Kennedy Hospital in western Pennsylvania shut down this week. Two hospitals in the Philadelphia area closed in the spring.

Hospitals found the Senate legislation even more damaging than the House plan. Health systems say it would lead to hospitals cutting services or shutting down.

In the latest edition of our podcast, we talked with Ann Bilyew of WebMD Ignite about giving patients reliable information and meeting patients where they are.

Hospitals say Medicaid cuts would leave millions of Americans without coverage and add financial pressures to hospitals. They say some hospitals would end up shutting down.

In an interview with Chief Healthcare Executive, he talks about focusing on patients, examining value, and the need for real-world evidence in decisions.

Rich Liekweg has led the system for years and helped it become one of the nation’s largest academic health systems. Nick Barto, BJC’s president, will take over in October.

The court preserved a provision in the Affordable Care Act that requires health plans to offer free screenings. Healthcare leaders welcome the ruling, but they warned of future challenges.

Health systems continue to face challenges in filling positions in information technology, and cybersecurity.

The justices ruled that states can withhold Medicaid funds from the group. Conservatives want to defund the group because it provides abortions, but critics say it will be harder for women to get cancer screenings and other care.

Providers with modest resources are being attacked. Healthcare leaders say breaches at smaller hospitals and clinics can have a serious impact.

Joseph Impicciche will step down at the end of the year. Eduardo Conrado, Ascension’s president, will replace him as CEO as the Catholic system works to overcome financial pressures.

The Lown Institute unveils its 2025 list of hospitals who are demonstrating excellence in equity, fairness, and value.

The Lown Institute again put the North Carolina hospital at the top spot in its annual ranking of providers. Jason Carter, the hospital’s president, says Duke has a commitment to access.

St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital will shut down in August. Health system officials cite persistent challenges with low utilization and said the facility is not viable.