Healthcare News of Note: Nearly half of Americans live in areas with inadequate access to mental health workers
Although nearly 50% of Americans live in a mental health workforce shortage area, there are steps that can increase the workforce and prevent burnout among these professionals. The two health insurance coverage trends responsible for driving an increase in medical debt are inadequate healthcare coverage and high-deductible health plans. Forty-four healthcare businesses are among 200…
International member spotlight: Deepa Gigeesh aspires to reach new career heights
HFMA recently spoke with Deepa Gigeesh, revenue recovery officer at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, UAE. SSMC is HFMA’s first international Enterprise Solutions member, which allows SSMC’s healthcare finance staff to access HFMA tools, resources and education that align with their career development and business goals. Please describe your current position and job…
HFMA and Hospitals magazine collaborate to bring global healthcare community closer
By Olivia Tader HFMA and Hospitals magazine are working together to promote hospital and health system news around the globe. HFMA and Hospitals magazine, a Middle East healthcare magazine, have entered an agreement that allows both organizations to share more widely their content and expertise in hospital management and healthcare finance. “Hospitals magazine is honored…
MedPAC takes aim at the Medicare wage index and reiterates support for site-neutral payment
In its semiannual report to Congress, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recommends significant changes to two key aspects of Medicare policy: the wage index and site-neutral payment. 1. A revamp of the wage index The wage index consistently generates concern among healthcare stakeholders, including in Medicare’s FY24 proposed rule for hospital inpatient payments. According…
Artificial Intelligence for RCM: Separating Hype from Reality
A growing volume of tagged data is exacerbating an already complex healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM) process that is largely transactional in nature, thus making RCM an area that is prime for automation and the application of artificial intelligence (AI). From automating manual and redundant tasks within patient access, coding, billing, and collections to applying…
Healthcare News of Note: The top 5 reasons U.S. adults say the nation’s healthcare system fails to meet their needs
Nearly three-quarters of adults say the U.S. healthcare system is not meeting their needs in some way, with the length of time to get an appointment the No. 1 reason. The top benefit of using remote patient monitoring during cancer care is to keep the care team up to date on symptoms in between appointments,…
Healthcare News of Note: 3 factors increase the likelihood that a physician has been sued
Some46.8% of physicians over the age of 54 report they have been sued compared to 9.5% of physicians under the age of 40. The revenue cycle management segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the global healthcare finance solutions market in 2022. Greater representation of Black primary care physicians (PCPs) in the PCP workforce…
How the balance sheet can contribute to performance improvement
Significant opportunities for cost savings, enhanced liquidity and improved efficiencies lie within an organization’s debt structure, treasury operations and real estate portfolio. There has always been a connection between performance improvement initiatives and the balance sheet. By reducing operating costs, boosting productivity and enhancing revenues, a successful performance improvement initiative bolsters an organization’s financial performance.…
Hospital price transparency updates include stricter enforcement, new fines and pending legislation
(Note: The last section of this article was updated May 24 where noted to reflect developments in Congress.) Enforcement of hospital price transparency regulations is becoming stricter, with CMS implementing new policies and recently fining two hospitals. Changes were anticipated after CMS leaders authored an article in February that reported 70% compliance in 2022, the…
Healthcare News of Note: 5% of U.S. adults are forgoing healthcare due to transportation barriers
This blog share synopses of three stories for healthcare finance professionals, including Adults with transportation issues forgo needed healthcare and pediatric hospital admissions involving ICU care are increasing.