January 2020
Cover Story
Hard truths about the state of the healthcare industry
HFMA's president and CEO, Joseph Fifer, provides a straightforward assessment of likely changes to come in healthcare in the 2020s and what healthcare executives should do to to prepare.
Features
2020 vision: What to expect in healthcare finance over the next decade
Healthcare industry thought leaders share their perspectives on trends and developments that are likely to have an impact on the industry in the next decade.
How to achieve best-in-class capability for value-based risk contracting
Health systems embarking on value-based contracting should give attention to three areas: understanding market profit pools, acknowledging inherent challenges in the health plan market, and developing the key elements that are essential for success.
Why removing percent-of-charge provisions in managed care contracts won't address concerns about high hospital charges
Removing percent-of-charge provisions in favor of fixed fees would not remove the factors that drive price increases, nor would it reduce administrative hassles or decrease risk.
Columns
I dare healthcare finance pros to get ‘unstuck’ in 2020
Healthcare executives should keep two concepts in mind that can help them avoid getting stuck at any stage of their careers.
Growth in healthcare spending garners little attention
Healthcare spending in the U.S. as shown signs of growth in recent years, but the recent strong economic growth may be the main reason the trend has gained little notice.
What leaders should know before having tough conversations about performance
Leaders can enhance their performance management skills if they know how to prepare for tough conversations with employees, then how to stay on course during the conversation and how to follow up afterward.
Maryland TCOC: A grand demonstration continues
As Maryland's Medicare Total Cost of Care priogram enters its second year, it It is a goodtime to revisit the program to understand its essential elements and implications for the nation's healthcare system.
Evolving toward engagement: The recent history of patient segmentation
It’s no longer sufficient to classify a patient’s propensity to pay as “red, green or yellow.” To truly optimize collections, health systems should consider intelligent segmentation.
Realizing the economic benefits of a merger starts with integrating post-merger operations
After a merger, a healthcare organization needs to take specific steps to ensure that transaction delivers the intended economic benefits.
Why I'm on the cover: A message from HFMA's president and CEO
HFMA President and CEO Joe Fifer shares the story behind his appearance on the cover of the January issue of hfm.
Departments
Region 2 Fall Institute offers educational sessions and new extras
Region 2 held its annual Fall Institute in October and summarized the successes of educational sessions, a favored keynote speaker and some new event additions to keep the conference easy-going.
The new hfm is (re)designed to help you get what you need faster and easier
A new, next-level design makes hfm easier to read and more useful than ever.
HFMA announces new event aimed at healthcare financial sustainability
HFMA announces the Financial Sustainability Summit, a national conference for healthcare executives designed to help the address the most pressing challenges facing health systems today.
Cerner staff builds expertise with HFMA Enterprise membership
As an HFMA Enterprise business partner, Cerner Corporation is extending the benefits of HFMA membership to its associates to expand their knowledge and give them tools to stay up to date with the revenue cycle industry.
News Briefs for January 2020
Developments and trends shaping healthcare finance
First Illinois Chapter past president accepts consulting principal role
HFMA First Illinois Chapter’s past president Dan Yunker has accepted a new role in the greater Chicagoland area. Plus, several professional updates on other members.
Supplements
Time Study: Delivering time intelligence to health enterprises
An innovative technology company talks about the various ways healthcare organizations can use its centralized time intelligence platform to get a clear sense of how healthcare providers spend their time at work, using the insights to improve productivity and performance.
Auth-DP software helps streamline prior authorizations to reduce denials
A leading revenue cycle technology company talks about how its innovative prior authorization software streamlines the process of checking for, obtaining and following up on prior authorizations, saving organizations millions in avoided denials.
Capitalize on purchased services’ unusual suspects to enhance revenue
A transformative healthcare company outlines some conventional and unusual strategies for streamlining purchased services spend to expand margins and drive revenue.
Getting the full value out of a transaction/acquisition plan
A practical article based on a November webinar by Grant Thornton LLP that discusses the four steps involved in effectively executing a transaction or acquisition and best practices for reducing costs and mitigating risk.