Financial and operational challenges still hamper hospitals 2.5 years into the pandemic
Even as much of society takes steps toward pre-pandemic normalcy, hospitals continue to struggle under the weight of the last two and a half years.
Wes Wheeler of UPS Healthcare talks about the future of cold chain supply chain
The number of pharmaceuticals derived from organic material (i.e., human, animal and plant cells) and requiring special handling, are increasing. On a recent episode of HFMA’s “Voices in Healthcare Finance” podcast, Wes Wheeler, president of UPS Healthcare, discussed how the industry should adapt to the need for an improved cold chain.
The financial crunch of the pandemic is unlikely to subside anytime soon for hospitals
A leading credit-rating agency says the not-for-profit hospital sector will face significant headwinds for the rest of this year and beyond.
Latest financial metrics for hospitals show reasons for optimism but also persistent challenges
Hospital financial performance partially recovered in March as patient volumes returned to something closer to normal after a significant downturn during the omicron wave.
MedPAC says 2023 hospital payments shouldn’t increase in response to COVID-19
CMS shouldn’t increase Medicare payments to hospitals for the upcoming year beyond the annual update that is based on current law, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.
Latest hospital financial and jobs data reflect an environment that remains challenging
January financial data for hospitals show the continuing toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, while February labor numbers suggest an operational recovery that could further increase expenses.
Healthcare News of Note: Amazon Care’s virtual health services are now available nationwide, and in-person care services are launching in more than 20 new cities in 2022
Healthcare News of Note for healthcare finance professionals is a roundup of recent news articles: Amazon Care plans to expand in-person care to 20+ new cities in 2022, GAO raises concerns about HHS’s leadership and coordination of public health emergencies, and a new study shows more physicians suffered burnout in 2021 than in 2020.
Newly released financial data show pandemic-related challenges intensifying for hospitals
Issues with expenses and unstable volumes hindered hospital finances and operations as 2021 drew to a close.
Hospital margins increased in November, but labor expenses remained a drag on finances
A skewed labor market continued to affect hospital finances in November even as operating margins improved from October.
A White House plan to combat the omicron variant includes support for hospitals
The Biden administration announced several provisions to bolster hospitals as efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic enter a third calendar year.