Here are five articles published by Becker's Hospital Review this week that offer insight on healthcare cost growth, consumer payment trends and more.
1. 7 hospitals with strong finances
A roundup of seven hospitals and health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions according to reports from Fitch Ratings, Moody's Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings.
2. Why the 'new normal' for healthcare cost growth isn't sustainable
The healthcare cost trend — the projected percentage increase in the cost to treat patients from one year to the next, assuming benefits remain the same — is expected to rise 6.5 percent next year for people with employer-sponsored insurance, which is in line with the 6 to 7 percent increases recorded since 2014. Single-digit growth is the "new normal" for medical costs, but this trend is unsustainable, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers report.
3. A state-by-state breakdown of per capita healthcare spending
There was wide variation in per capita healthcare spending among states in 2014, according to a study by CMS' Office of the Actuary published by Health Affairs.
4. 6 latest hospital bankruptcies, closures
Six hospitals have filed for bankruptcy protection or closed since March 1.
5. 10 things to know about 2016 healthcare consumer payment trends
Increasing patient financial responsibility means a growing portion of provider and payer revenue is tied to direct consumer payments — posing challenges and opportunities for healthcare organizations.
More articles on healthcare finance:
Georgia hospital lands last-minute buyer, avoids closure
7 latest hospital credit downgrades
5 hospital CFOs in the headlines