Strategic Planning
Two greater Chicago health systems are joining forces to create what could become Illinois' third largest health network. But don't call it a merger.
Despite hiring consultants, assigning process improvement teams and redesigning workflow, hospitals across the country struggle with stagnant metrics. Not only is this frustrating, but having ineffective processes and roles is costly.
How do hospitals survive if they keep patients healthy and at home? For New Hampshire’s New London Hospital, the answer is to partner with the largest hospital in the state to keep costs low and possibly boost patient volume.
Hospital revenue fell in 2014's first quarter compared with the final three months of 2013, the Census Bureau estimated last week. And for a full year -- from Q1 2013 to Q1 2014 -- revenue for healthcare and social assistance rose only 2.9 percent.
"Clinical integration" and "organizing for value" are two key themes at the HFMA 2014 ANI conference. Both are crucial in preparation for the transition from a fee-for-service reimbursement system. Here's an example of how one health system is preparing, by teaming with a health plan on a new care management venture.
Hospitals are one of the most expensive commercial structures to build or renovate. Before green lighting a project, hospital executives must confirm that new construction will address existing pressures, as well as attract and serve patients for decades to come.
In a move to diversify its business, Tenet Healthcare has expanded into urgent care, launching last month its national brand of 23 urgent care centers called MedPost Urgent Care.
Medicare's ACOs have had mixed early outcomes, but some commercial accountable care ventures, including PPO plans, are showing promise.
Healthcare reform and the shift toward value instead of volume underscore the importance of population health management for improving patient outcomes on a large scale. One essential component of a comprehensive population health program is patient access.
The Affordable Care Act was designed to make medical care less expensive for the American public; it was not intended to put healthcare providers out of business. But a recent analysis of U.S. hospitals suggests the law could contribute to the demise of hundreds of poor performers.