SPOTLIGHT -
September 24th 2023
These audits hurt hospitals’ revenue cycles by increasing administrative costs and ultimately reducing reimbursement.
July 20th 2023
Even with signs of improvement, health systems still face headwinds. Suzie Desai of S&P Global Ratings provided an overview for hospital executives.
June 18th 2023
As many hospitals expand their footprint using co-management agreements, they will also be subject to greater scrutiny for anticompetitive behavior.
May 11th 2023
A new AMA analysis finds nearly half of all physicians age 55 and over have faced a lawsuit. Women doctors are less likely to be sued, the report said.
May 9th 2023
By involving clinicians at the beginning of the process, health systems can potentially improve patient care and reduce costs.
Hospitals brace for another Medicare cut next month
The American Hospital Association is pressing the government to stop additional sequester cuts slated to take place July 1.
Few hospitals complying with federal price transparency law: Study
The study finds very low adherence to a federal law compelling hospitals and health systems to offer more information on prices for consumers.
Most health systems have cost-reduction programs, but few leaders love them
Only a handful of executives surveyed said they were completely satisfied, according to a poll conducted by Strata Decision Technology and the Healthcare Financial Management Association
Home health takeaways to improve profit margins, drive volume, and increase patient satisfaction | Mike Buckholdt
Health systems can boost the performance of ambulatory surgical centers with advanced remote patient monitoring and postoperative telerehabilitation solutions.
Understaffing could cost post-acute care industry $19.5B in 2022
Some nursing homes aren’t accepting new patients due to staffing shortages. A new study examines the costs and suggests contingent staffing could be a more affordable remedy than some expect.
Hospital margins remain in red for 4th straight month
Health systems saw drops in volume and revenue in April, according to the latest monthly report from Kaufman Hall. The outlook isn’t that promising for the rest of the year.
Hospitals delay exams due to dye shortage, and face new supply chain challenges
Many health systems won’t see normal supplies this summer. Hospitals must plan wisely to manage supplies of the dye used in imaging, and other key items.
Health spending drops for first time in 12 years: Report
Per-person spending dipped with many consumers using healthcare less in the early months of the pandemic. But health spending rose over a 5-year period.
Employers, insurers pay hospitals over 220% more than Medicare: RAND report
The hospital pricing study found wide ranges in costs at different hospitals. The American Hospital Association said the report jumps to ‘unfounded conclusions.’
Hospitals seeing ‘severe impact’ of dye shortage
Health systems are delaying tests due to a shortage of contrast dye used in many imaging procedures. Hospitals may not see normal supplies until well into the summer.
COVID-19 relief offset hospital losses: Study
Billions in federal aid kept many hospitals afloat, including smaller providers and rural hospitals, Johns Hopkins researchers found.
‘Skyrocketing labor costs’: Hospitals are paying 37% more since COVID-19 pandemic
A new Kaufman Hall report says increased labor costs have added to the financial challenges facing American health systems. Healthcare leaders will have to find ways to recruit and retain workers.
Hospitals face ‘the end of cheap money’
Borrowing costs are rising after the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate for the second time in two months. Hospitals are facing financial headwinds on a number of fronts.
Hospitals bounce back a bit financially, but face a long recovery
The latest Kaufman Hall report indicates health systems are rebounding somewhat after a very difficult start to the year, but they have a long way to go.
Some cancer centers aren’t disclosing prices for drugs: Study
Researchers found that less than half of 61 cancer centers studied were complying with federal regulations on price disclosures. Some cancer centers also had substantial markups.
Stop treating hospital accounts receivable like toothpaste | Jeff Means
There are ways to improve collections without exhausting your workforce.
‘Dramatic’ cost increases challenge hospitals
Hospitals are paying far more for labor and supplies compared to pre-pandemic times, according to a new report from the American Hospital Association.
Earth Day and healthcare: How the industry can help the environment
Hospitals are under more pressure to reduce emissions and make better choices in the supply chain. Gary Cohen, president of Health Care Without Harm, recently outlined ways health systems can make changes.
Hospitals slam proposed Medicare payment plan
The government plans to raise the Medicare inpatient prospective payment system rates by 3.2% in the 2023 fiscal year. The American Hospital Association says the projected loss of other aid would mean hospitals could see less money.
The post-acute care industry: Five trends worth watching
In its annual report, Trella Health outlined the opportunities and hurdles ahead for home health, skilled nursing and hospices.
Sustainable procurement: Improving environmental health through the supply chain | Cristina Indiveri
As Earth Day approaches, health systems should reduce the impact of their goods and services. The hospital supply chain is filled with opportunities for improvement.
The White House tackles medical debt: What it means for hospitals
The Biden administration is asking many healthcare providers to submit data on their bill collection practices.
Healthcare workforce rebounding, but not in long-term care
Turnover rates are moving closer to levels before the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study finds. But the recovery isn’t consistent among all groups.
Preventing surprise medical bills is the goal. These four obstacles make it harder.
Financial leaders of healthcare systems outlined some of the challenges in reducing unexpected bills in a new survey.
Health Systems Rapidly Adopting Revenue Cycle Automation
Automation helps drive efficiency and is cost-effective.
Hospitals With More Medicare Patients Are More Likely to Close or Be Acquired
Hospitals with a higher share of Medicare patients performed worse financially and were more likely to face closure or acquisition.
5 Things to Consider Before Negotiating a Healthcare Real Estate Deal
Purchasing the real estate you already occupy, or even a new space or building, could be a great opportunity to impact your future finances and significantly build your net worth.
Changing the Narrative: Looking Beyond Individual Economics Toward Community and Patient Outcomes
How can stakeholders navigate the shift from volume to value in healthcare? Second of two parts.
Prioritizing Value: A Step-By-Step Approach to Collaborative Supplier Agreements
The center of the change in healthcare is a punctuated shift from volume to value. First of two parts.
The Rapidly Shifting Patient Financial Journey and Key Considerations for Health Systems
From planned to unplanned healthcare costs, the uncertainty around paying for care has become a significant factor delaying many from getting the treatment they need when they need it.