Inside the Issue
Zeroing in on Cost Opportunities
by William O. Cleverley and James O. Cleverley
The authors address two critical questions: How can hospital leaders identify how large the cost opportunity is at their facility? What areas appear to be driving the cost issues? Download the print issue to read this article.
A Playbook Approach to Strategic Planning
by Garrett Ogden
Leaders of most successful healthcare organizations use action-oriented playbooks to guide strategic planning and execution. Download the print issue to read this article.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers: The Implications of New Market Trends for Hospitals
by Bryan Burgett
Recent changes in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry will provide increased opportunities for hospitals to acquire competing ASCs and will also likely alter the rationale for pursuing and operating hospital-physician joint venture ASCs. Download the print issue to read this article.
Bridging the Gap with Referring Physicians
by Deborah Paller
Understanding physician motivation requires an in-depth look at the factors that influence their emotions and decision making. Download the print issue to read this article.
Managing Downsizing to Minimize Damage
by William Martin
Hospital leaders need all the tools available to manage downsizing while still increasing quality, satisfaction, productivity, and performance--and controlling unnecessary costs. Download the print issue to read this article.
Competitive Options for Joint Replacement Programs
by Jennifer Jones Etkin and Kathryn E. Slatt
Hospitals looking to capture a large percentage of joint replacement growth will need to do more than perform the surgery and provide the necessary support services. Learn how four hospital joint programs have achieved success in improving quality outcomes, financial performance, and competitive positioning. Read this article.
Out of Space and Money? Creative Ways to Improve Space Utilization
by Cynthia Hayward
Existing space in hospitals is a valuable resource that historically has been overlooked. Hayward provides dozens of ideas for improving space utilization as well as identifying alternative ways to accommodate programs and services. Read this article.
Value-Based Purchasing: Maximizing Revenue Through Accurate Clinical Documentation
by Paul Weygandt
Capturing the highest allowable DRG relative weight, based on complete documentation within the medical record, should be a short-term as well as a long-term goal for any revenue cycle executive. Weygandt presents some key steps toward this goal. Read this article.
Commentary: Electronic Health Records: Why Not Now?
by Jeffrey C. Bauer
If politicians and health reformers are really serious about building a world-class health system, they must craft an aggressive plan to bring 21st century IT to all providers, payers, and patients. Read this article.