As a result, median operating margins declined for the first time since March but remained in positive territory at 1.3 percent. That figure compared with a 2.6-percentage-point lower margin this time last year, Kaufman Hall said.
Outpatient volumes may have declined by more than inpatient numbers because of fewer patients opting for elective procedures, Kaufman Hall said in the report. Bad debt and charity care also rose month over month.
Hospitals should do more to improve patient authorization processes and use their data more efficiently, according to the report. There also needs to be improved discharge procedures.
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