CMS' 2015 Medicare reimbursement rates, hospital credit downgrades and the uninsured rate (among other issues) have attracted a lot of attention in the hospital finance realm recently. The following five stories were the most-viewed during the past week.
1. 9 Hospitals Receive Credit Downgrades in Past Month
Nine hospitals and health systems received a credit downgrade during the past month, according to a report from HFA Partners.
2. 10 States With Highest, Lowest Uninsured Rates Post PPACA
Analysts from WalletHub, a personal finance social network, provided a projection of the uninsured rates in 43 states and D.C. post Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
3. Medicare Data Uncovers Hospitalist Billing Trends: 7 Things to Know
Medicare physician payment data from reveals more than 1,000 hospitalists — primary care physicians providing hospital-based services — billed Medicare more than five times the average amount in 2012, according to an independent analysis by healthcare consultant Abhay Padgaonkar, founder and president of Innovative Solutions Consulting.
4. CMS Releases Proposed 2015 Hospital Outpatient Payment Rates: 7 Things to Know
CMS has released proposed changes to Medicare's Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System for calendar year 2015. Here are seven things to know about the Hospital OPPS and the proposed rule.
5. 6 Things to Know About the Effects of Medicaid Expansion on Nonprofit Hospitals
A new report from Fitch Ratings predicts nonprofit hospitals in states that have chosen not to expand Medicaid will experience increasing financial challenges in 2014, and in years to come, while hospitals in states that have expanded Medicaid have already begun to realize the benefits of increased insurance coverage.
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Fitch Affirms Wright Memorial Hospital "BBB-" Rating
Albany Medical Center Plans $21.7M Renovation Project, Seeks Tax-Exempt Bonds
Moody's Affirms Crittenton Hospital Medical Center's 'Baa3' Rating, Outlook Negative