Cover Story
Battle of the bots: Health insurers vs. healthcare providers
As denial rates climb to record highs, driven in part by AI-powered robots, leading health systems are starting to fight back.
Features
Budgeting for healthcare technology is not just a numbers game
U.S. hospitals and health systems are eschewing top-down technology budgets in favor of a collaborative, needs-based budgeting approach.
Private equity investing showing signs of rebound
The Federal Reserve’s plan to begin reducing interest rates in 2024 will likely unleash private equity’s pent-up demand for physician practices and other healthcare services companies.
Q&A
Joshua Corman unpacks the consequences of the Change Healthcare cyberattack on an HFMA podcast episode
The February 2024 cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth Group, continues to cause concern and frustration for providers.
Expert Reviewed
How providers can optimize payer contract negotiations
When entering contract negotiations with payers, providers should make sure they are initiating the process from a position of strength.
8 healthcare trends for 2024: A guide for health system leaders and their boards
Healthcare providers faced many transformational challenges in 2023, including the continued advancement of payers into the provider space and the challenge of managing merger and acquisition activity.
Columns
Dennis Dahlen: Of Blackcats and the dark web — the value of HFMA in times of crisis
Dennis Dahlen discusses HFMA’s response to the Change Healthcare cyberattack and how the response demonstrates the Association’s value to members in times of crisis.
Jill Geisler: Make sure your written communication hits the mark
Leadership expert and HFMA columnist Jill Geisler shares practical things healthcare finance professionals can do to upgrade their writing game.
David Johnson: GoFundMe helps some pay for healthcare, but it’s an awful solution
A growing number of GoFundMe campaigns for medical expense is a sign of the nation’s problem with massive healthcare expense,
Grace-Marie Turner: How to advocate for enlightened healthcare policy
The Galen Institute’s Grace-Marie Turner says easing federal rules on the healthcare industry will encourage innovation.
How to keep your balance sheet steady in tumultuous times
The balance sheet contributes significantly to cash flow at most not-for-profit hospitals and health systems.
Lisa Montman: Lessons on a journey to leadership in the nonprofit world
Long-time member Lisa Montman, CFO of HonorHealth in Arizona, says that there is a balance required between margin and mission.
Departments
Georgia Chapter engages new members via a webinar series
The HFMA Georgia Chapter’s webinar series offers new members professional development on healthcare financial management and other key topics.
News Briefs: Providers face trying times in the first month after the Change Healthcare cyberattack
As published in the April 2024 issue of hfm, this news roundup presents the top stories for healthcare finance professionals.
People: HFMA members step into new leadership roles in healthcare finance
HFMA members John Ceelen, Carla Chandler, Robert Gilbert, Chuck Robb and Jerry Yang have new jobs. James Peppiatt-Combes, former chair of Large System CFO Council, dies.
Supplements
BESLER provides thorough Transfer DRG revenue recovery services
Hospitals require clear and simple paths through the challenges posed by changing regulations so they can spend more time and dollars focusing on enhancing patient care.