Health system leaders aim to bolster resilience and readiness in preparation for a potential recession, but most CEOs and CFOs do not see an economic downturn as a barrier to growth, according to Mercer's "2023 Executive Outlook" survey.

Seven health systems recently posted job listings seeking revenue cycle vice presidents. 

Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health is one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the country. The health system had a particularly busy February, releasing its latest financial results and being busy on the merger and acquisition front among several stories.

Four emergency rooms closed over one frigid weekend in early February in Boston as health systems dealt with operational issues such as frozen pipes, prompting questions about preparedness for such extreme weather, The Boston Globe reported Feb. 19.

Vandalia Health has formed a strategic partnership with Elkins, W.Va.-based Davis Health System to expand access to specialty services and innovative care for patients in the area.

The prices for surgical procedures at hospitals in networks are far higher than at independent hospitals, according to research published in JAMA Network Open.

Pottstown (Pa.) Hospital is back on the tax rolls after the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court reversed its nonprofit status, The Mercury reported Feb. 19.

The Mississippi House of Representatives approved $80 million in funding for the state's cash-strapped hospitals, according to a Feb. 16 Mississippi Today report.

Ten hospitals and health systems recently posted job listings seeking revenue cycle management expertise.

Seattle Children's Hospital, the only freestanding children's hospital in Washington, had its "AA" rating on a series of $880 million bonds affirmed amid expectations it will continue to generate robust cash flow in the next years, Fitch Ratings said Feb. 17.

Potential buyers of Singing River Health System have until March 10 to submit their bids, according to local news outlet WLOX.

Flint, Mich.-based Insight operates a number of locations in the Midwest including its original neuroscience clinic in Flint as well as Insight Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago and Insight Surgical Hospital in Warren, Mich.

Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems posted $179 million in net income in 2022 — down from $368 million the prior year — but it continues to make progress toward stabilizing volumes, reducing labor costs and offsetting inflationary pressures, executives said during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call on Feb. 16.

Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy has introduced a bill that would place harsher penalties on hospitals that fail to comply with federal price transparency rules. 

Murfreesboro, Tenn.-based National HealthCare Corp., a nursing home and healthcare company, reported revenue of $264.6 million and net income of $6.4 million in the fourth quarter.

Hollister, Calif.-based Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital reasserted that a strategic partner or the sale of some or all of its facilities to a larger system is the best way for the financially troubled hospital to maintain its current level of services. 

Lansing, Mich.-based Sparrow Health, which is due to be acquired by the Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Health system, has had a series of bonds it holds placed on credit watch amid concern over the eventual outcome of the planned merger, S&P Global said Feb. 16.

R1 RCM CEO Lee Rivas said the company is investing in three primary goals to advance its technology in 2023 during the company's Feb. 16 earnings call:

The following hospital and healthcare systems have experienced affirmed credit ratings in recent weeks as their operating performance continues to hold up relatively well in a difficult market:

Los Angeles County officials are considering increasing the availability of free and discounted care at the hospitals it runs, the Los Angeles Times reported Feb. 16.