Is consolidation in healthcare the work of modern-day robber barons — or the result of overdue reengineering?
he most successful industrialists of America’s Gilded Age were often skewered by contemporary critics as being robber barons. A new generation of naysayers wants to recycle the old rhetoric, this time targeting organizations focused on healthcare: The critics’ clear message: Big money is helping healthcare get bigger, and it’s a bad deal all around. Many…
The 5 provider strategies to improve profit margins
Improving financial performance and operating margins has become one of the most pressing concerns for health system CEOs. To meet future margin targets, leaders will have to bring a new level of focus, resources and structure to achieve deeper cost reductions on a recurring basis. At the same time, this is critical to ensuring that…
News Briefs: The expiration of the COVID-19 PHE brings an end to key provisions
The termination of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) on May 11 meant providers lost many of the accommodations and regulatory flexibilities that were in place since Jan. 31, 2020. For example, Medicare’s 20% add-on payment for treating COVID-19 cases in the inpatient setting no longer is available. With reported cases and hospitalizations steadily trending…
David Johnson: The orthopod’s dilemma — Caught between the PE rock and the venture capital hard place
The OrthoForum is the premier convening and advocacy organization for large, independent orthopedic physician groups. In March 2022, I gave a keynote address at The OrthoForum’s Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. Attending the conference at the posh Grande Lakes Ritz-Carlton gave me a front-row seat to the economic forces reshaping orthopedic care delivery in the…
Healthcare News of Note: CVS finalizes purchases of Signify Health, Oak Street Health, moving into home healthcare and primary care
CVS Health has completed the acquisitions of Signify Health and Oak Street Health, expanding its efforts to implement a value-based payment ecosystem focused on holistic care. Chatbot responses to patient’s questions were preferred over physician responses, earning higher rankings from evaluators for both quality and empathy, according to a recent study. Increasing rates of depression,…
Healthcare News of Note: Healthcare private equity deals amounted to a strong $90B in 2022
In 2022, healthcare private equity deals reached nearly $90 billion, the second highest on record. Concerns about increased workloads, staffing shortages and burnout have been felt most acutely by less experienced nurses, according to a newly published study. Patients seeking care in safety-net clinics are accruing chronic diseases at high rates in middle age, indicating…
Kaiser Permanente is set to acquire Geisinger in a deal with major industry ramifications
In a move with implications for healthcare business models, Kaiser Permanente has announced plans to acquire Geisinger and form a new nonprofit organization. Upon acquisition Geisinger will join Risant Health, an organization that is being launched by Kaiser Permanente’s hospital arm. Geisinger and future acquisitions will operate as distinct entities and retain their current branding…
Healthcare News of Note: The healthcare sector was targeted by nearly 24% of cyber-attack activity in 2022
When it comes to the number of malicious cybersecurity events targeting customers in the Americas, the healthcare industry is second, just behind finance. Contrary to its previously announced plans, the U.S. Department of Justice is not pursuing a further challenge to UnitedHealth Group’s purchase of Change Healthcare. The average pay for physicians decreased 2.4% in…
News Briefs: Healthcare industry disrupter CVS Health to shell out billions to buy Oak Street Health
A month after stating it hoped to gain a presence in primary care, CVS Health accomplished that goal with a massive deal that could fortify its efforts to advance value-based payment in healthcare. The proposed $10.6 billion acquisition of Oak Street Health, a provider of senior-focused primary care, adds to a portfolio of assets that…
Healthcare News of Note: Amazon closes its deal with One Medical, touts opportunity to scale a new primary care model
Amazon closes its deal with One Medical