Mixed News in Physician Payment Final Rule
Nov. 2—Leading physician advocacy groups are celebrating some provisions in the final rule issued by Medicare this week. But other components could cause problems.
Providers Should Keep Watch on Payer Discount Increases
A significant uptick in payer contractual allowances and discounts in the first quarter of 2018 indicate that hospitals should remain focused on payer mix and payer category shifts.
Nov. 5-9: Azar to Discuss Primary Care Amid Expectations of New Models
Nov. 1—Primary care will draw the attention of the Trump administration next week, amid the expectation that upcoming payment models will focus on that segment.
hfm Magazine: November 2018
The November 2018 edition of hfm explores people and culture in healthcare finance, focusing on performance improvement, academic-community relationships, and care delivery.
Physicians Want APM Changes to Slow—Contrary to Administration’s Plans
Oct. 30—Physicians across the country are concerned about rapid changes in alternative payment models (APMs) and want the process to slow down, according to a recent study. Meanwhile, Trump administration officials say physicians should prepare for accelerated changes.
Value-Focused Healthcare Strategy Must Be Multifaceted
Moving to a value-based payment model involves change and requires a strategy focused on both managing costs and enabling growth of the enterprise.
Why Your Access Strategy Demands Pricing Transparency
Consumers have come to expect price transparency in health care, which has greatly increased the strategic and operational importance of providers’ charge master descriptions and other pricing frameworks.
The 2019 ACA Enrollment Period Begins
Rising premiums and reduced choice among insurance options are two challenges facing health insurance purchasers under the Affordable Care Act in 2019; nonetheless, public support for the act continues to be strong enough to block efforts to repeal the act.
Hospital Advocates Concerned About Trump Drug Price Plan
Oct. 26—Hospitals would face uncertain financial impacts under a Medicare drug payment pilot announced this week.
Reconciling Charges and Pricing Through Charge Description Master Redesign
Providers should restructure pricing schedules to bring charges into better alignment with the actual cost of services, developing a long-term pricing model that is attractive to both patients and employers.