International member spotlight: Aleetta Baby uses certification to enrich her career and look to the future
Aleetta Baby’s enthusiasm for her work is evident in her dedication to learning new skills. “I enjoy working in revenue cycle management because each day presents a new learning opportunity, task or challenge.” Baby, revenue cycle management financial analyst at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi, has completed her Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) certification…
The hospital labor picture could be improving, but a full financial recovery isn’t imminent
The financial and operational stress that has hampered hospitals may be easing in some ways, but probably not enough to qualify as a holiday gift for a beleaguered industry. Recent reports from credit-rating agencies have presented a mixed outlook. For example, Fitch Ratings released an analysis in December showing “incremental signs of improvement” in the staffing situation…
Florida Chapter fosters industry innovators
HFMA’s Florida Chapter hosted a Professional Development & Innovator Workshop on Sept. 18, the first day of its 2022 Fall Conference at the Margaritaville Resort in Hollywood, Florida. This wasn’t the Chapter’s first professional development workshop. It was, however, different from those previously offered. A shift in focus That difference was due to the Chapter’s…
Pete November is new CEO at Ochsner Health
The Ochsner Health board of directors has unanimously appointed Pete November, JD, CPA, as CEO. November previously served as executive vice president and CFO of the New Orleans-based health system. “Pete is an exemplary leader who has a deep understanding of Ochsner Health, our patients and the communities we serve,” said Andy Wisdom, Ochsner board…
Aaron Crane: HFMA launches DEI task force
Season’s greetings to everyone! As we prepare to close out 2022 and ring in a new year, I am excited to let you know about the HFMA Board of Directors’ recent decision to launch a task force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). But first, a bit of background. Earlier this year, Deloitte published an…
Healthcare News of Note: Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health megamerger complete
Healthcare News of Note for healthcare finance professionals is a roundup of recent news articles: Atrium and Advocate Health close merger deal, CMS details expectations of hospitals in memo addressing workplace violence, and CMS plans to recoup $650 million in overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans.
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.
My final holiday message to the HFMA community
Five years ago, in my holiday message to HFMA members, I wrote that during this busy time of year, we should make time for reflection, soul searching and connecting with something that transcends personal concerns, no matter which winter holiday we celebrate or what our faith traditions may be. That’s the core of my holiday…