Here are five articles published on Becker's Hospital Review this past week that offer interesting insight on finance team leadership, profitability for U.S. hospitals this year and healthcare trends that could prove costly in 2016.
1. Medicare patients pay far more for outpatient care at critical access hospitals: 7 things to know
Medicare patients' out-of-pocket costs for outpatient care are significantly higher at critical access hospitals than at other acute care hospitals, and the reason for the difference in cost is buried in a 1997 law.
2. Fitch predicts profitability obstacles for US hospitals in 2016
Fitch Ratings expects margins for the largest U.S. for-profit hospital companies to be under pressure in 2016, due to some profitability challenges from last year as well as new challenges in the coming year.
3. CEOs and CFOs: 10 things demanding your attention this year
How does one prioritize when everything is important? It's a familiar feeling for most hospital and health system executives. To simplify and focus, we spoke to experts who helped us identify 10 of the most pressing issues for healthcare leadership and financial teams in 2016.
4. CBO says ACA repeal bill could save $516B in 10 years: 4 things to know
A repeal of the Affordable Care Act could reduce the deficit by more than half a trillion dollars over the next decade.
5. 3 costly healthcare megatrends to watch in 2016
There are three healthcare trends that emerged in 2015 that are likely to prove costly in 2016.
More articles on healthcare finance:
Illinois hospital closes; OSF Healthcare converts building into urgent care center
Steward's losses mount as system takes a long-term view
Missouri hospital to close this month as BJC consolidates services