I step into the editor role at Healthcare Finance News at a very challenging and exciting time for the healthcare industry. With virtually every organization being charged with the difficult task of driving cost out of the system while simultaneously improving the quality of care, major changes are being made at every level at seemingly breakneck speed.
CEOs, CFOs and other healthcare executives know the financial stakes are high and getting higher. Healthcare Finance News is committed to bringing you the news you need for informed decision making and the successful stewardship of your organization as you form and execute strategic plans, determine capital spending budgets and lead your teams to achieve the best possible financial results.
In 2012, we will continue following the important stories we covered last year – ACOs and new care delivery models, ICD-10 and HIPAA 5010, Big Pharma and drug shortages, workforce management, government crackdowns on fraud and the growing RAC program, evolution of the supply chain, automation and healthcare IT, physician alignment and mergers and acquisitions (which reached record numbers in 2011), just to name a few.
We’ll monitor major legislative issues with far-reaching consequences. For example, the Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments on the constitutionality of the individual mandate in March and a ruling is expected in June. The result could have major implications for the Affordable Care Act and healthcare reform. We’ll bring you a full report. And will Congress ever take real action to fix the SGR? So far, they’ve put off finding a long-term solution. We’ll be watching to see what happens next.
The Healthcare Finance News team will pay close attention to the 2012 political campaigns to see what role healthcare plays in shaping the nation’s political discourse and how much misinformation and distortion of facts are used as the rhetoric heats up. In addition to the reports in these pages, you can find ongoing political coverage on our website www.healthcarefinancenews.com on the “Political Malpractice” page.
We also invite you to share your ideas and tell us which issues are most important to you. Is there a topic you want to hear more about? Do you want to share the story of how your hospital, health system, medical practice or clinic is improving the revenue cycle or seeing significant gains in other key areas? Write to us with your comments, suggestions and the stories of your biggest challenges and successes.
Chris Anderson covers our Payers beat, keeping a close eye on commercial insurers, health insurance exchanges, Medicare, Medicaid and other government programs. Email him at Chris.Anderson@medtechmedia.com.
Stephanie Bouchard covers Community Care, examining issues that impact physicians’ practices, community clinics, long-term care facilities and home-based care. Contact her at Stephanie.Bouchard@medtechmedia.com.
Kelsey Brimmer reports on Hospitals and IDNs, taking a hard look at the biggest financial challenges facing hospitals and health systems. Email her at Kelsey.Brimmer@medtechmedia.com.
I will continue reporting for our Solutions and Services beat, looking for the best tools, software, process improvements and system upgrades out there. How can providers use automation to reap the maximum return on investment? This is just one of the many questions I will examine throughout the year. Write to me with your ideas for others at Rene.Letourneau@medtechmedia.com.
And, in case you are wondering about Richard Pizzi, our departing editor, have no fear – he’s overseeing the publication as our Editorial Director. Reach him at Richard.Pizzi@medtechmedia.com.
The healthcare industry in 2012 promises to be as uncertain and challenging as ever for providers, but we’re dedicated to offering news coverage and insight that help you manage your business better.