Strategic Planning
The latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimate that spending for healthcare services jumped by about $50 billion in the first quarter of 2014 compared to fourth quarter of 2013. But don't listen to those who say we are on track for a 10 percent rise in health spending over the full year.
Seeking to bring in new skills and perspectives to help improve the experience for customers, several large insurers have recently hired executives from outside the industry.
As patient outcomes become increasingly linked to reimbursement, hospital quality and finance teams must coordinate better than ever before. Deborah Larkin-Carney, vice president of quality at Barnabas Health, shares how quality and finance connect at her health system.
Increased admissions drove revenue gains for Tenet Healthcare Corporation and Community Health Systems in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 2013. Both for-profit hospital firms appear confident midway through Q2.
In a region brimming with high-ranked hospitals but still suffering from poor care coordination, four health systems are initiating a new joint venture to find efficiencies and lure payer partners.
New revenue streams can offset financial losses experienced by providers due to lower utilization, especially within the hospital setting. One way providers can grow revenue is by offering health insurance products.
Hospitals of all sizes are looking for partners. But the quest to increase market share by acquiring physician groups or other hospitals is drawing critical analysis from regulators, particularly if a merger results in eliminating a competitor.
Last week's ruling in the case of ProMedica Health System vs. the Federal Trade Commission offers key lessons for CFOs about how hospitals and health systems should proceed with mergers or acquisitions.
Physicians shouldn't feel threatened by the continued popularity of retail clinics with consumers, but neither should they ignore them.
Michigan-based Metro Health has been able to set itself apart from other community hospital systems in part by its ability to access and leverage capital. Metro's success offers a template for best practices in capital acquisition through strategies such as public issuance of debts and securities.