Profits High at Colorado Hospitals, HMOs

Colorado hospitals and health systems, especially those in the Denver metropolitan area, reported strong profit figures in 2011 despite being in the middle of healthcare reform efforts, according to a report from healthcare consultant Allan Baumgarten.

In 2011, Denver-area hospitals posted $774.6 million of pre-tax net income, which was a 12.3 percent profit margin on $6.27 billion of net patient revenue.

HealthONE, part of Nashville, Tenn.-based Hospital Corporation of America, is by far the most profitable system in Denver, recording $428.5 million in 2011 and controlling almost 32 percent of its market. Hospitals within Exempla Healthcare and Englewood, Colo.-based Centura Health also recorded high profit margins, according to the report.

Despite the high profits, hospitals' inpatient beds have had lower occupancy rates. In 2011, inpatient occupancy averaged 65.8 percent for Denver-area hospitals compared with 69.2 percent in 2008. Mr. Baumgarten attributed the decline to patients deferring care and the healthcare system's gradual transition to value-based care from fee-for-service.

Colorado's health insurers have also had healthy bottom lines. In 2012, Colorado's HMOs recorded $178.3 million of profit after tax, and their profit margins have not dipped under 3 percent in the past five years.

More Articles on Healthcare Finance:

Despite Capped Profits, Minnesota HMOs Post 3rd Straight Strong Year
Minnesota Health System Hospitals Record Nearly 11% Margin in 2010
Report: Florida Hospital, HMO Profits Remain Strong

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars