Report finds fewer than a third of physicians continue to practice independently
About 70% of physicians were employed by health systems or corporate entities such as private equity firms and health plans at the start of 2021.
Financial metrics show a steady recovery for hospitals as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides
The latest financial data from the hospital sector paints a picture of a continuing recovery from the depths of the pandemic.
Healthcare News of Note: S&P says outlook is stable for not-for-profit healthcare sector
Healthcare News of Note for healthcare finance professionals is a roundup of recent news articles: The not-for-profit healthcare sector outlook was upgraded to stable, new research explores the higher risks facing certain racial and ethnic groups during COVID-19, and OIG finds that CMS lacks the tools to assess hospital quality and safety during an infectious disease outbreak.
Hospital groups raise red flags about spending offsets in bipartisan infrastructure bill
The bill would be paid for in part by extending the duration of the 2% reduction in Medicare payments and by tapping into the Provider Relief Fund.
Financial Sustainability Report: June 2021
This June issue of the Financial Sustainability Report, sponsored by Kaufman Hall, leads off with results of HFMA’s recent report examining the evolving role of the healthcare CFO over the next decade. Two features also examine steps health systems can take to promote success with value-based payment initiatives, including developing models to inform their efforts with risk-based contracts and focusing efforts on removing impediments to success under such contracts.
Why bond insurance is making a comeback in healthcare
Capital reserve requirements for bond insurers have recently changed, making bond insurance once again a viable option for hospitals or health systems seeking credit enhancement on their fixed-rate debt issuance.
Why the physician’s office, not the ED, is a health system’s true front door
As revenue from inpatient care continues to decline as a percentage of total revenue, health system leaders should acknowledge the pivotal role physicians play in bringing patients into their systems.
Healthcare CFOs should ensure their organizations’ contracts are well administered to avoid financial risk exposure
Administering contracts is a core activity for healthcare organizations, given that contracts collectively reflect the organization’s business obligations, including all assets, relationships and terms it is required to manage. It therefore is an important concern for the senior finance leader.
Healthcare News of Note: Struggling rural hospitals have option to become stand-alone EDs to receive more funding
Healthcare News of Note for healthcare finance professionals is a roundup of recent news articles: An upcoming option for rural hospitals to receive more funding, a key factor in outcomes of Black patients who receive COVID-19 care, and predictions about the hospital room of the future.
Transitioning health systems to accepting more risk: Key steps to ensuring financial sustainability
The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed many health systems’ interest in pursuing population health initiatives. Yet success with such initiatives will remain elusive if they do not address two common barriers to success: lack of aligned incentives and insufficient infrastructure.