HFMA

The May 2022 edition of HFMA’s Cost Effectiveness of Health Report includes a conversation with Lance Robertson, former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living, on practical ways the United States can begin to meaningfully address social determinants of health. Another article explores considerations for hospitals and health systems regarding the decision to pursue a “hospital at home” strategy, and a column shares perspectives and lessons learned from a 47-year active member of HFMA on the nation’s evolution toward value.

Disruptive changes brought on by rising medical costs and increased patient cost sharing require an evolution in traditional patient billing and collection practices. Rapidly changing state and federal regulations, COVID-19, consumer behaviors and expectations, disrupters, technology and operational challenges impact healthcare in parallel.

When bringing artificial intelligence into their business models, health systems have the opportunity to improve revenue cycle management by maximizing efficiencies. With the potential to improve workflow and consolidate resources, automation and machine learning require organizations to examine their infrastructure, from staffing to datasets. Investing in automated processes to reduce variation and empower staff to…