Here are five articles published by Becker's Hospital Review this past week that offer insight on hospital credit downgrades, health system interest-free loan programs and the link between revenue cycle management and patient satisfaction.
1. How to address 7 common RCM customer service mistakes
In today's healthcare environment, revenue cycle management and patient satisfaction are closely intertwined.
2. 3 hospitals receive credit downgrades in past month
Three hospitals and health systems received credit downgrades during the past month, according to a report from HFA Partners.
3. HRSA proposed rule establishes dispute resolution panel for 340B program
The Health Resources and Services Administration released a proposed rule implementing an Affordable Care Act provision that establishes a dispute resolution process for certain 340B Drug Pricing Program claims.
4. 51 hospitals, health systems with interest-free loan programs
More hospitals and health systems are improving their collection rates by offering zero-interest loan programs to patients who need time to pay hefty medical bills.
5. Fitch: Health insurer credit metrics hit hard in first half of 2016
Higher leverage ratios from acquisition-related debt combined with declining revenue growth and interest coverage ratios contributed to deteriorating credit metrics for publicly traded health insurers in the first half of 2016, according to a Fitch Ratings report.
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