Topic:
Financial Management
Latest Headlines
Latest Headlines
Consumer Reports: Providers' bargaining power drives insurance prices
An article in the most recent issue of Consumer Reports verifies what America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) has been saying for years now-- providers are at the root of the healthcare cost problem.
Insurers positioned to curb medical spending growth
Health spending rates are only expected to increase a historical low 7.5 percent by 2013, and that growth is even lower--only 5.5 percent--when changes in insurance benefits, including higher deductibles and copays, are considered.
Healthcare spending inflation at historical lows
Research shows that the inflation of healthcare spending rates has slowed since 2009 as a result of a slow economy, PwC announced in a report today. Rates are expected to grow only 7.5 percent by 2013, a historical low in healthcare costs.
Hospitals inject $38B to state economy while uncompensated care grows
While the state of Georgia's unemployment rate remains at 10 percent, Georgia hospitals generate $38 billion in revenue and account for 337,000 full-time positions, according to the Georgia Hospital Association.
Hospitals get clear criteria for tax exemptions
With some nonprofit hospitals denied tax exemptions in Illinois, the state Senate approved a bill that clarifies how hospitals can qualify for tax-exempt status and outlines how charity care is determined.
Med staff director charged with embezzling $186K
Officials on Thursday charged the former medical staff services director of Princeton (N.J.) HealthCare System with stealing $186,000 over the course of a year and a half.
Doc groups: Flexible, alternative pay models should replace SGR
In order to scrap the notoriously flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula used in paying doctors for good, Medicare must allow providers the appropriate non-fee-for-service model for their individual practices and invite participation on a rolling basis, according to the American Medical Association and Medical Group Management Association.
Hard times for doctors mean less access for poor
With reimbursements low and expenses tight, more than a third of U.S. physicians have discontinued accepting new Medicaid patients into their practices.
Hospitals accelerate cost-cutting efforts
With a push from private insurers, employers and government officials, the industry is seeing hospitals and health systems step up efforts to control escalating healthcare costs.
Insurers see slow uptick in medical utilization
As insurers continue to determine medical utilization patterns, hoping that patients will start seeking more care, their first-quarter earnings show there may be a slow uptick in use.
