Here are five articles published by Becker's Hospital Review this past week that offer interesting insight on hospital closures, capital projects and balance billing.
1. Georgia hospitals unite to avoid financial failure
Many Georgia hospitals are financially distressed, with nearly two-thirds of rural hospitals in the state operating in the red in 2014. The state will reach the edge of a fiscal cliff in 2017, and rural and urban hospitals across Georgia formed an alliance to avoid the potential negative effects.
2. 20 things to know about balance billing
As payers and providers wage war over reimbursement rates for medical services, patients have been increasingly strapped with unanticipated healthcare bills that can have detrimental financial effects.
3. 5 latest hospital closures
Five hospitals closed or announced plans to close in the past month.
4. CMS proposes hike in Medicare Advantage payments: 7 things to know
CMS proposed a number of payment and policy changes to the Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug programs for next year, including an increase in payments to the health insurers who offer Medicare Advantage plans.
5. Best practices for consolidating RCM during hospital mergers
For hospitals eyeing mergers this year, executives may be surprised to hear that consolidating revenue cycle departments is likely the best place to start.
More articles on healthcare finance:
Partners HealthCare earnings dragged down by Epic transition
CHS reports surprising $83M loss as admissions fall
8 latest CFO moves at hospitals, health systems