3 primary areas of focus for effective financial planning
The year 2022 has been one of the most challenging in recent history for hospital and health system operating performance. The year-to-date median operating margin remained in negative territory at -0.3% as of the end of August, according to Kaufman Hall research. Given the challenges, three key areas of financial planning are critically important in…
Bringing ESG principles to healthcare
Hospitals and health systems that don’t prioritize environmental sustainability arguably fail to do right by their communities, but more and more also may face a problem of greater short-term urgency. Namely, their access to capital could be constrained as the investor community looks to apply ESG principles to assessments of risks and opportunities. “I just…
Hospitals work to make the supply chain green
Even with all the challenges facing hospitals and health systems these days, the push to make operations more environmentally sustainable is becoming viewed less as a differentiator and more as an essential strategy. And for those organizations that have mastered energy conservation methods and made progress in greening their facilities and physical infrastructure, the supply…
How healthcare organizations can defend against financial hazards in 2023
What are the most critical strategies to steer healthcare organizations in the direction of financial stability in the following year and beyond? A couple tips include reducing bad debt and accessing external benchmarks for supply pricing.
Paul Keckley: 3 trends to watch for in the 2023 healthcare regulatory agenda
The year 2023 will be a consequential one for healthcare finance professionals. With the near certainty that the COVID-19 public health emergency will come to an official end, three convergent trends will have a heightened impact on the solvency and liquidity of provider organizations. 1. Implementation of federal policies to lower inflation The Federal Reserve’s…
7 tips for successful M&A integrations
When companies go through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), how do leaders manage integrating teams and culture? Read through some tips from a health care transaction principle who assists health systems across the M&A life cycle.
Healthcare CFOs can benefit from also being strong financial analysts
Starting out in healthcare as a financial analyst is a somewhat unusual place to embark on the career path to becoming CFO of large academic medical center (AMC). But that’s the path that Wendy Fielding, MBA, a 30-year member of HFMA, took on her journey to becoming CFO and system vice president of finance at…
Cloudmed, an R1 company, helps health systems get paid for the care they provide
Using one company’s AI platform, health systems will find uncovered funds that can be used to hire essential practitioners, build new facilities and fund outreach programs.
Gail Wilensky: Cybersecurity in healthcare has emerged as a national priority
The threat of cyberattacks on healthcare facilities has taken on a new immediacy with the increased use of electronic communication during the pandemic. The issue of cybersecurity has rapidly risen to become a predominant concern for healthcare organizations, with profound implications for the nation as a whole.a The issue is particularly concerning where cyberattacks can…
Healthcare M&A: Are you prepared for the pitfalls?
Leaders of hospitals and health systems whose organizations are embarking on a merger or acquisition should be prepared to avoid the many potential pitfalls associated with such an strategic venture.