Richard Pizzi

In an effort to reduce expenses during a bad economic climate, University of Iowa Health Care plans to trim the size of UI Hospitals and Clinics' 6,600-member work force by eliminating some filled positions.

U.S. Bank has launched a new physician-focused payment tool that enables doctors' offices to collect more patient self-pay balances - such as co-pays and deductibles - at the time and point of care.

The Premier healthcare alliance has acquired Phase 2 Consulting, a provider of consulting services to hospitals and health systems.

The Principles and Practices Board of the Healthcare Financial Management Association has created a sample charity care policy "to assist hospitals to manage their resources responsibly and to provide the appropriate level of assistance to the greatest number of persons in need."

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has appointed Cindy Mann to serve as director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations, part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The Oregon Department of Human Services' Division of Medical Assistance Programs has selected a vendor to manage its statewide Medicaid disease and medical care management programs.

Using funds from the federal Recovery Act, Williamsport Hospital and Medical Center in Williamsport, Pa. has completed construction of a new energy service center.

Thirty-three percent of U.S. physician offices do not accept credit cards as a form of payment, according to a new survey. This represents a 5 percent increase since a similar survey was conducted last year.

The economic downturn is taking a toll on employees' physical and mental health, causing more than one in four to forego healthcare treatment to save money, according to a new survey commissioned by the National Business Group on Health.

The American Hospital Association has urged the House Financial Services Committee to include tax-exempt hospital bonds in any legislation to help the municipal securities market.