hfm April 2024

Payment edition

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.

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hfm Media Kit

Reach the most influential professionals in healthcare finance.

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