Healthcare leaders should re-envision the revenue cycle as a driver of value
HFMA President and CEO Joseph J. Fifer explains why hospital and health system leaders should frame the revenue cycle as a value driver rather than as a cost center.
Innovation in action: The genesis of the geriatric ED
An innovative idea sparked the concept of the geriatric ED, which now has its own accreditation process and is becoming a staple of hospitals around the country.
Creative partnerships bring relief from soaring drug prices
With drug costs emerging as a central concern for healthcare leaders, providers are trying to mitigate the problem through partnerships.
Slow expansion of SDOH benefits expected in 2020 MA health plans
MA health plans are expected to incrementally increase in 2020 their use of programs targeting the social determinants of health.
Geriatric EDs improve care, reduce utilization
Main article: Innovation in action: The genesis of the geriatric ED Adults ages 65 and older account for about 18% of total emergency department (ED) visits, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). That percentage has increased steadily in the past decade and will do so for the foreseeable future. There were 43…
Analysis: Out-of-pocket costs increased faster than wages in 2018
The latest TransUnion Healthcare report shows a 12% increase in patient out-of-pocket costs while wages grew only 3%, proving the need for hospitals and health systems to engage patients in a discussion about their out-of-pocket responsibility.
Analysis: American Well and Cisco develop telehealth offering for MA plans
HFMA’s Chad Mulvany says it makes sense that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans would invest in virtual health options for older patients, like the recently announced American Well/Cisco partnership, which could lead to a significant impact on hospital discharges.
How one hospital improved patient access, specialty referrals and completed-appointment rates
Texas Children’s Hospital achieved financial and operational improvements after streamlining referral and scheduling processes to better accommodate providers and patients.
Executive orders on price transparency
HFMA’s Chad Mulvany provides insight on the Trump Administration’s June 24 executive order aimed at improving price and quality transparency.
Analysis: New HELP draft surprise-bill legislation bases payments on geographic median rate
Recent changes to the HELP draft surprise-bill legislation indicate there is unity in Congress around calculating payments to providers for out-of-network services, but challenges to the geographic-median approach are on the horizon.