Business

These stories focused on patient care resonated the most with readers.

Oregon passes a law setting minimum staffing levels for nursing, the end of the public health emergency, and other stories gained wide attention.

With more patients wanting care on an outpatient basis, health systems need to shift their focus and plan for a future where fewer people want to be in the hospital.

Health system administrators may find that 2024 is the year they can drive down overall spending through looking at the ER discharge process, “meds to beds,” and the role of the outpatient pharmacy.

A group of Democratic and Republican senators wants CMS to collect more data on prior authorization denials. Hospitals have said they’re seeing more denials from MA plans.

Health systems have objected to a provision for ‘site-neutral’ Medicare funding, which they say would hurt hospitals. They welcome language delaying cuts in Medicaid funding.

To cut costs, health systems may outsource, or even offshore, functions such as revenue cycle management and billing, Deloitte projects. Most hospital leaders expect continued workforce challenges.

The Children’s Hospital Association says most hospitals are worried about a lack of resources for patients with mental health needs. Many are also struggling with labor costs.

Nonprofit health systems will likely wrestle with higher labor costs and revenue difficulties. Suzie Desai of S&P talks about those headwinds and other challenges ahead for hospitals.

Many health systems will continue to wrestle with staffing challenges, volumes, and debt concerns. Kevin Holloran of Fitch Ratings tells us why he expects another difficult year.

The watchdog group unveiled its top hospitals and top ambulatory surgical centers for 2023.

The northern Virginia system has high hopes for the donation. Shashank Desai of Inova talked with us about improving care and expanding prevention efforts.

The CEO of AtlantiCare in New Jersey, Michael Charlton talks about the need to get around the organization and talk with staff.

Services such as Buy Now, Pay Later and Pay-Over-Time are helping people afford healthcare services that were out of reach, Austin Talley writes.

The Business Group on Health unveils its trends to watch in the coming year, and employers are worried about controlling costs and getting a good return on their investments.

The multi-year project will feature new technology and the ability to adapt for future needs, officials say.

The two Missouri-based systems will form a combined system with 28 hospitals. The deal is expected to close by Jan. 1.

Health systems are seeing gains, particularly in outpatient revenue, according to the latest National Hospital Flash Report.

Health systems say they are seeing more denials, and they worry the plans are going to skirt federal regulations in reviewing hospital admissions.

Healthcare workers will walk to get what they want, and it’s not just about money. Hospitals must focus on building good relationships with their workers.

Weill Cornell Medicine chooses a chief operating officer, and other leaders are taking on new roles in the new year.

Nurses don’t think that their facilities offer adequate support for their mental health. Hospitals must take steps to take care of their nurses.

Brendan Carr will take over as CEO early next year. Kenneth L. Davis, who has led Mount Sinai since 2003, will become executive vice chairman of the system’s board.

The campaign calls for a new building connected to Northwell's children’s hospital. Northwell’s Charles Schleien talks about the effort and the crisis affecting kids.

Health systems say they are facing more denials from payers, including Medicare Advantage plans, and it’s a big reason why they have less cash on hand.