St. Louis-based Ascension, a 136-hospital system, had its issuer default rating and long-term revenue bond ratings affirmed at "AA+" due to its strong operational profile, key leverage metrics and robust balance sheet, according to a Sept. 20 Fitch Ratings report. 

Hospital revenue cycle management has been a testing ground for automation and artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Hospitals' administrative costs are rapidly increasing as insurers increase prior authorization requirements and denials, according to Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association.

At 44%, external hiring of CFOs has hit a 10-year high in 2024, according to a report from Crist Kolder Associates. 

Medicare Advantage has grown rapidly in recent years, and now provides coverage to 55% of the nation's seniors, almost 34 million people. 

CMS' expansion of the two-midnight rule has had a "modest benefit" to Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, the system's CFO Mike Marks said at the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health is canceling all judgment liens placed on homes and real estate as part of efforts to collect unpaid medical bills. 

Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare is not interested in taking on "risky" or "turnaround" hospitals and is focusing on "acquiring high-quality assets that have good margins," CEO and Chair Saum Sutaria, MD, said during the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference.

Charleston, S.C.-based MUSC Health is investing $30 million to expand the number of emergency department beds at its hospital in Columbia, according to a news release sent to local news outlets Sept. 18. 

CorroHealth has finalized its acquisition of revenue cycle management company Xtend Healthcare from Navient. 

While its specialized paramedic program will operate through at least Dec. 20, Exeter (N.H.) Hospital also plans to close additional programs. 

At least four hospitals have reopened in 2024, and three others will soon join them: 

Five years ago, Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare embarked on a new chapter in the health system's journey, reducing its debt profile and having its ambulatory surgery center business drive a greater portion of the company's performance, according to CEO and Chair Saum Sutaria, MD. 

Juneau, Alaska-based Bartlett Regional Hospital is closing its high-intensity residential substance abuse treatment facility on Sept. 24. 

Hoboken, N.J.-based CarePoint Health System has filed three WARN notices with the state, signaling potential layoffs as it explores financial restructuring options.

Beth Carlson, WVU Medicine's vice president of revenue cycle, described the Morgantown, W.Va.-based system's approach to payer denials with two words "fail fast." 

Christus Health is taking over the Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Beaumont, Texas, and plans to reopen the facility "in the coming months," according to a Sept. 18 news release shared with Becker's. 

Since 2018, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has warned that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans sometimes deny enrollees' requests for essential services they need.1 2

St.-Louis-based Ascension reported a $79 million operating loss (-0.3% margin) for the 10 months ending April 30, a substantial improvement on the $1.2 billion operating loss in the previous 10-month period. 

Tom Golisano will donate $360 million to 82 nonprofits in New York, including $69 million to nine healthcare organizations.