Rural hospitals have been facing immense financial pressures as they deal with rising inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While it affirmed a rating of "A+" on debt levels for Asante Health, Fitch Ratings has downgraded the outlook for the Medford, Ore.-based healthcare system to negative from stable.

The Federal Trade Commission proposed a rule that could lift wages by nearly $300 billion per year economywide by blocking companies from limiting their workers' ability to work for a competitor, The New York Times reported Jan. 5.

Emergency departments services comprised two-thirds of CPT codes submitted in No Surprises Act disputes between April 15 and Sept. 30, according to CMS' initial report on the independent dispute resolution process. 

Upgrading and replacing previous claims technologies was the most common way providers worked to reduce claims denials in 2022, according to a recent report from Experian Health. 

Several healthcare organizations have recently closed medical departments or ended services at facilities to shore up finances, focus on more in-demand services or address staffing shortages.

Brewer, Maine-based Northern Light Health is cutting back services as the health system deals with economic challenges, Bangor Daily News reported Jan. 4.

Buffalo, N.Y.-based John R. Oishei Children's Hospital has landed a safety-net designation that will protect the pediatric hospital against Medicaid cuts and allow the hospital to access additional funding, The Buffalo News reported Jan. 4.

Operating margin declines characterized 2022 for many hospitals and health systems, which continue to battle ubiquitous challenges that include workforce shortages, declining inpatient volumes and the rising cost of supplies, drugs, equipment and labor.

The newly completed $28 million acquisition of Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia will provide employees with the tools they need to pursue more rewarding healthcare careers, the consortium taking over the hospital said in a filing.