Recovery Audit Contractor program changes and how the new Internal Revenue Service rules affect nonprofit hospitals' collection practices captured the attention of Becker's Hospital Review finance readers this week.
The following were among the most-viewed finance stories on BeckersHospitalReview.com:
1. How the new IRS rules affect nonprofit hospitals' collection practices
Nonprofit hospitals across the country are garnishing uninsured and low-income patients' wages for unpaid medical bills, but new Internal Revenue Service rules for tax-exempt hospitals' collection practices may lower the occurrences of this practice.
2. US healthcare spending on track to hit $10k per person in 2015
CMS' National Health Expenditure Projections 2013-2023 show healthcare spending growth over the next several years, with expenditure projected to hit $3.21 trillion in 2015.
3. Contracts extended for private companies running RAC program
CMS issued a contract award notice extending the contracts of CGI Federal, Connolly, HealthDataInsights and Performant Recovery, the four private companies that run Medicare's recovery audit program.
4. Are CEOs setting the bar too high for CFOs?
CFOs across many industries, including healthcare, are expected to take on a more strategic role, but 32 percent of CEOs believe their organization's CFO doesn't understand and assist them with challenges in running their business.
5. CMS makes changes to RAC program: 10 things to know
CMS made a number of changes to the Recovery Audit Contractor program after evaluating provider concerns raised about the program.
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How will GOP policies affect healthcare stocks in 2015?
CMS makes changes to RAC program: 10 things to know