Management

UNC Health names a philanthropy chief, and other leaders take on new roles.

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.

Health plans announced plans to simplify the prior authorization process and make it faster. Doctors and hospitals have said authorization delays hurt patients and drive up costs.

They’re concerned about uncertainty in federal policy, tariffs, and the economy at large, according to a new Deloitte report. Dr. Jay Bhatt of Deloitte talks about the new report.

Edward Jimenez, the leader of the hospital system in the Philadelphia suburbs, says he’s focused on patient safety, the workforce, and improving Main Line’s finances.

A former leader of the Veterans Health Administration is slated to be the next leader of OHSU, and others are moving into new roles.

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla’s new, 8-floor building is designed to provide better care for moms and babies. The building also expands the hospital’s bed count.

America’s Essential Hospitals, which represents safety net hospitals, estimated that the Senate GOP tax plan would create even more financial pressures than the House bill.

MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, is teaming with PointClickCare to help patients move out of hospital emergency departments. Hamad Husainy of PointClickCare talks about the effort.

The health system has finalized the acquisition of Merit Health Madison, which is now dubbed UMMC Madison. Officials said it will help with scheduling surgeries and offer more care closer to home.

Dr. Dipen Parekh talks about his journey, his goals for the health system, and meeting the challenges facing academic medical centers.

Critics say the measure could make it harder for transgender youth to get care. Tennessee’s attorney general says the ruling protects kids from ‘life-altering’ procedures and helps other states set similar laws.

Advocates for hospitals said the Senate measure would mean bigger Medicaid cuts and millions losing coverage. They warn some providers would weigh cutting services and even closing their doors.

TriHealth has announced an agreement to add Clinton Memorial Hospital in Wilmington, Ohio, which would become the sixth acute care hospital in the system.

Healthcare leaders have assailed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for ousting all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Critics say the move undermines trust and guidance on vaccines.

The American Hospital Association says 1.8 million residents in rural communities could lose coverage. Cuts would also hurt rural hospitals that are already losing money.

Hundreds of hospitals have nixed questions about mental health on applications, and most state boards have followed suit. Stefanie Simmons of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation talks about the progress and the need for more.