WakeMed Health & Hospitals reported an operating loss for fiscal year 2015, which is only the second time in the health system's 54-year history that it has done so, according to The News&Observer.
The Raleigh, N.C.-based health system's operating revenue has remained flat in recent years at about $1 billion, but one-time expenses caused financial challenges in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, according to WakeMed CFO Michael Browning.
The 919-bed health system posted an operating loss of $49.9 million in FY 2015. Mr. Browning attributed the loss to three main expenses: a costly Epic software installation, opening a 61-bed hospital, and operating a program that tracks and assists chronically ill patients, according to the report.
Mr. Browning referred to the three major expenses as an "investment in the future," and told The News&Observer the system expects to return to profitability in 2016.
More articles on healthcare finance:
Georgia hospital to close after judge denies attempt to keep doors open
OSU Wexner's operating margin cut in half on CFO's recommendation
5 hospitals with strong finances