Today's Top 20 Health Finance Stories
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Fitch upgrades Central Washington Hospital's rating to 'A-'
Fitch Ratings upgraded Wenatchee-based Central Washington Hospital's series 2015 and 2009 revenue bonds to "A-" from "BBB+," affecting about $113.4 million of debt. - 6/6/18 -
Fitch downgrades Northwell Health to 'A-'
Fitch Ratings downgraded New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health's long-term bond ratings to "A-" from "A." - 6/6/18 -
This week's 5 must-reads for hospital RCM leaders
Here are five articles recently published by Becker's Hospital Review on revenue cycle management hires, insights into voluntary and mandatory CMS bundled payment programs and more. - 6/6/18 -
Medicare trust fund to run out by 2026: 7 things to know
The Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, which is one of the program's two funds and covers Part A, will run dry in eight years — three years sooner than previously projected, according to the Medicare Trustees 2018 annual report. - 6/6/18 -
New accounting rule won't instantly affect nonprofit hospital ratings, S&P says
A recent accounting standard change for hospitals reporting bad debt won't have a significant effect on U.S. nonprofit hospitals' credit, according to a report from S&P Global Ratings. - 6/6/18 -
Trinity Health's operating income climbs $79M
Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health posted higher operating income in the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 due to increased revenue, as well as cost control measures. - 6/6/18 -
Fewer medical mistakes saved hospitals $2.9B from 2014 to 2016
The rate of hospital-acquired conditions, including infections, injuries from falls and harm from medication errors, fell 8 percent from 2014 to 2016, saving the industry $2.9 billion and preventing about 8,000 deaths, according to preliminary data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. - 6/6/18 -
Texas hospital considers bankruptcy as debt mounts
Nacogdoches (Texas) Memorial Hospital is considering filing for bankruptcy protection to reorganize its finances, according to KTRE. - 6/6/18 -
RAFFED: A unique approach to keeping your denials management team on the right path
Yes, yes...I know that RAFFED is a bit of an odd word. However, I’ve taken some creative liberties in my approach to revenue cycle management, and in motivating staff to increase productivity while being successful in collections. - 6/5/18 -
5 tips for hospital revenue cycle management success
As hospitals merge, acquire new providers, and navigate the changing payer landscape, revenue cycle management is increasingly challenging for health systems. - 6/5/18 -
A new era of consolidation
Over the past year, while the debate over repeal of the ACA and Medicaid expansion grabbed the headlines, the healthcare industry has been quietly experiencing a wave of consolidation that is likely to significantly impact both patients and traditional health systems. - 6/5/18 -
10 hospitals seeking CFOs
Below are 10 hospitals and health systems that posted job listings seeking CFOs during the past week. - 6/5/18 -
S&P revises West Tennessee Healthcare's outlook to negative after acquisition
S&P Global Ratings affirmed its "A+" long-term rating on Jackson-based West Tennessee Healthcare's series 2015 and 2008 revenue bonds. - 6/5/18 -
S&P upgrades El Camino Hospital's rating to 'AA'
S&P Global Ratings upgraded the long-term rating and underlying rating on Mountain View, Calif.-based El Camino Hospital's series 2017A and 2015A revenue bonds to "AA" from "A+." - 6/5/18 -
S&P upgrades Rogers Memorial Hospital to 'A'
S&P Global Ratings upgraded Oconomowoc, Wis.-based Rogers Memorial Hospital's series 2014A and series 2014B rating to "A" from "A-." - 6/5/18 -
S&P affirms 'BB-' rating on Care New England amid proposed acquisition
S&P Global Ratings affirmed its "BB-" rating on Providence, R.I.-based Care New England and revised its outlook to developing from negative as the health system works to secure regulatory approval for its deal with Boston-based Partners HealthCare. - 6/5/18 -
Private equity firm acquires Aspirion Health Resources: 4 things to know
Aquiline Capital Partners acquired Aspirion Health Resources. - 6/5/18 -
How Trump's drug-pricing plan could boost Medicare out-of-pocket costs
On May 11, President Donald Trump revealed his plan to combat rising drug prices, dubbed "American Patients First." - 6/5/18 -
RCM tip of the day: Single revenue cycle partner can boost efficiency after merger
Large healthcare organizations that are merging should consider partnering with one revenue cycle management service provider to reap benefits of the transaction, according to Allen Latham, vice president of revenue cycle management at TriZetto Provider Solutions. - 6/5/18 -
Comparing BPCI and CJR joint replacement approaches: 5 study findings
Hospitals participating in joint replacement bundles through voluntary and mandatory CMS programs have various different organizational characteristics, but they also have similarities in baseline spending and quality, a study published in Health Affairs found. - 6/5/18