Detained suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson seemed to have a grudge against the healthcare industry
The capture of a suspect in the homicide of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson appeared to confirm the notion that anger at the healthcare industry motivated the perpetrator. A man named Luigi Mangione, 26, was apprehended at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pa., on Monday, five days after Thompson was gunned down outside the site of parent…
Proposed ban on medical debt reporting faces an unfavorable political climate
Regulations essentially prohibiting the reporting of medical debt appear to be on shaky ground heading into 2025. Litigation brought by trade groups representing the accounts receivables industry has stalled the advancement of regulatory language issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and a bigger threat is impending with the upcoming transition of power in…
Motive, perpetrator remain elusive in shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Media reports and law enforcement sources described Wednesday morning’s fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as a targeted attack against a high-profile executive, but as of early evening, police could not say why it happened. Thompson, 50, a married father of two teenage children, was walking toward the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown…
The strategic role of revenue cycle management in battling rising healthcare costs
Healthcare organizations are facing unprecedented operating costs, largely driven by labor and inflation. According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), “Persistent workforce shortages, severe fractures in the supply chain for drugs and supplies and high levels of inflation have collectively fueled hospitals’ costs.” The AHA also emphasized the challenges of “higher acuity care and deepening…
What healthcare CFOs don’t know about cybersecurity — and what they should ask their CISOs
In 2023, the number of reported data breaches in the U.S. rose to an all-time high of 3,205, a 78% increase from 2022, while the average cost of a healthcare data breach hit $10.93 million. Read this article to learn what five key questions CFOs should ask CISOs to understand the threats and risks — and how to support resilience.
2 proposed rules seek to stem insurers’ use of prior authorization, medical management
In its waning days, the Biden administration hopes to lay additional groundwork for curbing health plan policies regarding prior authorization in Medicare Advantage (MA), along with group health plan tactics that may interfere with access to certain preventive items and services. MA prior authorization criteria A proposed rule implementing 2026 policy and technical changes for…
First American supports healthcare organizations with strategic financing solutions
Check out this company's customized leasing and financing solutions, enabling clients to invest in critical equipment and infrastructure while prioritizing growth and maintaining financial flexibility.
A nearly $3 billion settlement with Blue Cross Blue Shield leaves providers with a big choice (updated)
Note: The second section of this article was updated Dec. 5 with news that the proposed settlement has been formally approved. Providers that contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield should assess whether they want to participate in a landmark class-action settlement over litigation stemming from complaints about the insurer’s business practices. In October, a resolution…
How a focus on fortitude can reduce physician burnout
Healthcare leaders can reduce burnout among physicians and staff by adopting a multifaceted framework to understand the problem, which includes fostering fortitude and addressing individual differences, as well as improving the work environment.
New CMS bundled payment initiative may be the future of Medicare
CMS's Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) is a new bundled payment model that aims to move Medicare beneficiaries into value-based care arrangements by 2030, and hospitals participating in the model will be financially responsible for the cost and quality of care for five procedures.