Hospitals evolved into health systems over the last several years with multiple care sites and expanded focus on health and wellness. Millions of dollars were spent in rebranding and strategy to become "health systems."

The two companies will collectively drive outcomes and efficiency to help health systems achieve and sustain peak performance in the dynamic U.S. healthcare market.

Let’s define "Data Strategy” as the method for effectively using objective facts to make better decisions. In reality, it’s less about the data than it is about the insights derived from that data. This obstacle has significantly challenged healthcare organizations. We’ve all seen the studies showing data-driven organizations grow faster, are more profitable, and have a faster time to market. Why does gaining insights from data seem to take so long? As one executive said to his analyst, “if the data you end up publishing goes against my gut, I’ll probably just go with my gut.”

A common managerial expression is, "You can't improve what you don't measure." This is particularly true in healthcare. The focus within healthcare on safety, quality, equity and cost leads to numerous measurements. A challenge that healthcare leaders face is using the data collected through measurement initiatives to drive improved reliability and care.

States across the U.S. rolled out healthcare worker vaccination and masking requirements since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, three years later, California, Washington and Oregon plan to end certain requirements, effective April 3, allowing hospitals and health systems to develop and implement plans consistent with CDC and other guidance based on their needs and local conditions.

Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health has laid off about 50 workers, including multiple C-level executives, the health system confirmed to Becker's March 29. 

New MetroHealth CEO Airica Steed, EdD, RN, told cleveland.com in a recent interview that she is supportive of the Cleveland-based health system's $1 billion "hospital-in-a-park" vision as she conducts due diligence on plans.

When inefficient workflows and antiquated communication tools are added to an already-stressful emergency department (ED) environment, physician burnout increases, and both staff and patient satisfaction plummets.

When patients need durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs or oxygen, the required documentation can be immense.

The average healthcare leadership team is 25 percent female. But at Marlton, N.J.-based Virtua Health, women hold nearly 55 percent of the senior leadership roles. 

Ask any number of healthcare leaders about the role of strategy or the process of strategic planning in their organization and you’re likely to get a wide range of answers.

Consumers are settling back into their busy lives, reinforcing their desire for convenient healthcare services and virtual care options. As healthcare organizations contemplate, “What’s next?” consumers may already have the answer.

During the past few years of the pandemic, we’ve seen considerable changes in the healthcare payments landscape. Now, with President Biden announcing a decision to end the public health emergency (PHE) in May, more changes are on the horizon.

Columbia-based University of Missouri Health Care is eliminating five hospital leadership positions across the organization, spokesperson Eric Maze confirmed to Becker's March 20. 

The landscape for specialty pharmacy has evolved tremendously, as the number of breakthrough medications approved each year continues to grow. These specialty drugs bring hope for many patients but add cost and complexity for payers and providers. In this increasingly complex environment, health system specialty pharmacies must find ways to measurably demonstrate outcomes and value.

Many of us have aging family members and friends who suffer from cognitive impairment and its impact on memory, language, thinking and judgment.

Carson Valley Medical Center in Gardnerville, Nev., has changed its name to Carson Valley Health.

It is time for health systems to reconsider their strategy. Cars might offer some clarity, according to Kenneth Kaufman, managing director and chair of KaufmanHall. 

Baptist Health — a nine-hospital system currently based in Louisville, Ky. — is relocating its headquarters, Louisville Business First reported March 14. 

Philadelphia-based Penn Medicine is eliminating administrative positions as part of a reorganization plan to save the health system $40 million annually, the Philadelphia Business Journal reported March 13.