September 2021

Cover Story
A Major Milestone: HFMA marks 75 years of promoting healthcare finance
In recognition of HFMA’s 75th Anniversary, well-known leaders as well as others who’ve worked behind the scenes reflect on their experiences with the Association.
Features
Moving a 340B covered entity’s pharmacy enterprise to an LLC may prove beneficial, but it requires a feasibility study
University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics (UUHC) in Salt Lake City performed research to assess the feasibility of moving its 340B covered-entity pharmacy enterprise to a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), with a focus on risks that should be factored into the decision. Other organizations that are considering such a move could benefit from adopting UUHC’s assessment approach.
How to engage with patients where they are by balancing automation with the human touch
As provider organizations develop sophisticated automated systems, they should also make sure patients always have an opportunity to talk with a real person in the organization, because patients tend to be drawn to organizations where they feel a personal connection. Providers should address this patient need by having dedicated staff whose role is to personally engage with patients.
How 3 healthcare organizations are focusing on access and transparency to drive revenue cycle performance
Three winners of HFMA’s 2021 MAP Award share their innovative and effective strategies to build a strong revenue cycle amid uncertainty.
61% of hospitals say future compliance with price transparency will impact financial processes: HFMA poll
An HFMA-Strata survey found 61% of hospitals and health systems are revamping financial processes in light of price transparency.
Columns
Boldly promoting health equity is key to a better tomorrow
HFMA National Chair Tammie Jackson says healthcare finance professionals must take bold steps to address health disparities and social determinants of health.
Two infrastructure bills have significant implications for healthcare and bipartisanship
Congress’ handling of two mammoth bills may well determine the political tone in Washington and whether there will be any room for bipartisanship for the remainder of President Joe Biden’s term.
What the pandemic has taught us about leadership: Key takeaways
Lessons learned during the pandemic can ease the transition back to the office and set up leaders for future success.
Want to foster innovation in healthcare? Give it a foster home
There is a way for healthcare organizations to mitigate the risk, while still enjoying the benefits, of a successful innovation. Instead of developing innovative projects on their own, they may find fostering innovation in others brings rewards that make it worthwhile.
Why rekindling the romance in medicine could spur innovation
Romance in medicine refers to the passion reflected in the wonder and optimism with which healthcare’s great visionaries in healthcare explored the mysteries beyond human understanding in their times. It is an important quality that should be cultivated in our time.
From ‘necessary evil’ to absolutely necessary: The evolution of healthcare finance
HFMA President and CEO Joe Fifer reflects on the evolution of healthcare finance as a profession, and the concurrent evolution of HFMA.
Departments
HFMA’s editorial team earns 16 awards for excellence
HFMA’s editorial team earned a total of 12 awards in 2021 for articles published in hfm and four awards for episodes of the Association’s “Voices in Healthcare Finance” podcast produced in 2020.
HFMA recognizes the winners of its 2020-2021 Best Article Award
HFMA announces the winners and runners-up of the Association's Helen Yerger/L. Vann Seawell Best Article Award for outstanding editorial achievement in hfm magazine in fiscal year 2020-2021.
Chapter leaders attend unique training event
HFMA’s 2021 Leadership Training Conference took place July 25-27 in Orlando. For the first time, chapter leaders could attend either in person or virtually.
HFMA members Thompson and Pundarika earn ABF Journal recognition
HFMA members Amanda Verner Thompson and Vasanta Pundarika named to ABF Journal’s 2021 Top Women in Asset-Based Lending. Seven HFMA members have new positions.
News Briefs: CMS plans to reinstate policies pertaining to the inpatient-only and ASC covered-procedures lists
A roundup of the top news affecting healthcare finance professionals.
HFMA 2021-22 Leadership Directory
HFMA's 2021-22 Leadership Directory provides a listing of the Association's National, Regional and Chapter leaders for its current fiscal year.
Supplements
Pandemic era requires flexible revenue cycle solutions
Learn how one company’s enterprise revenue cycle management solution delivers operational success for customers.
How human capital analytics can help providers attract and keep top talent
Many healthcare workers have considered leaving the field after the COVID-19 pandemic. One company provides details on how to motivate the qualified employees with more than just compensation, benefits and rewards.
Ensemble helps healthcare organizations remove payer barriers, streamline processes and systems and implement strategies to increase patient loyalty
Find out how one company works with clients to ensure healthcare providers can navigate reimbursement complexity, adapt to payer changes and overcome obstacles.
Single-use endoscopes offer a safe way for healthcare providers to catch up on backlog of nonemergent care procedures
One company focuses on growing endoscopy departments of healthcare organizations with single-use devices. Learn about the benefits of single-use endoscopes and how to take advantage of these products.
Financing digital transformation during COVID-19 and beyond
In this executive roundtable, a handful of revenue cycle and technology leaders review ROI, cybersecurity, employee engagement and more in healthcare finance.
Virtual Intake Management® by PELITAS provides a digital experience with self-service options helping providers financially clear more than 75% of patients before service
One company explains how technology solutions help improve patient experience, maximize revenue and eliminate efficiencies throughout the revenue cycle.
Pressure Rising: COVID-19's ongoing impacts on healthcare labor trends
Find out how health systems and organizations are expanding remote work, how to prepare for rising labor expenses and how some hospitals are testing creative solutions to address workforce shortages among other hospital labor trends now and into the future.
Survey: Hospitals and health systems prioritize automation technology and cybersecurity to battle pandemic
Most hospitals and health systems have yet to fully utilize automation technology, per an HFMA survey. Based on this research, one company broke down key takeaways such as top priorities for reduced spending including supply chain, IT and revenue cycle management.