News

Health insurers in the nation's largest market are breathing a collective sigh of relief after escaping a new rate review system, but they may have to fight the battle again.

The Healthier Hospitals Initiative (HHI) is a national campaign to drive environmental health and sustainability across the healthcare industry. But the Initiative is not only focused on saving resources, but demonstrating how sustainability can positively impact hospital finances.

How will a long-time insurance manager fix the crisis in a state with some of the most expensive and advanced healthcare on the planet?

As cost control initiatives take on increasing weight at hospitals and health systems, organizations must focus more intently on stemming the costs of medical device procurement.

Since 2005, Denver Health has saved more than $200 million as a result of using a lean management philosophy to fine-tune operations and clinical processes. That's especially important these days, as hospitals and health systems have assumed more financial risk in delivering care.

A federal court is letting a wellness program's financial penalties take effect, but is considering the question of how much is too much, leaving corporate America and insurers waiting.

When Medicare started tracking patient satisfaction in late 2012, and shaving payments to hospitals that fell short, patient experience was put high on hospitals’ agendas. And, as patients’ out-of-pocket costs have risen, they have become savvier, more demanding consumers.

In the quest for population health, lifestyle interventions for diabetes may pose the biggest rewards and most vexing challenges. Some are making progress, however.

Hospitals' struggle for financial sustainability continues and may be getting worse, as CFOs say information technology investments draw more resources than expected and threaten to crowd out other priorities.

Hospitals and health systems want to mitigate their compliance spend as much as possible, as well as reduce the odds of facing large penalties for being out of compliance. The path to lowering the costs of compliance starts with putting appropriate policies and procedures in place -- and getting the right people at the table to make that happen.