Purchased Services/Contracted Services
May 2, 2013In a world of shrinking hospital budgets and growing economic pressures, progressive finance departments are looking for new ways to ...Read More »
2013 Legislation Opportunities
March 7, 2013Since 1980, healthcare spending has grown tenfold to over $2.6 trillion per year, which accounts for nearly 18% of the ...Read More »
2013 Reimbursement Opportunities
January 10, 2013Positive reimbursement can be a key factor in determining the financial viability of a service line. For 2013, most service lines will see market basket increases; however, one thing to keep in mind is, across the board, value-based programs under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will start to kick in. Negative payments under the readmission reduction program and never events will be the first to make a major impact in the industry. In addition, hospitals will see reimbursement penalties if quality and patient satisfaction goals are not met. Because of this, not all budget committees will be driven by increased reimbursement incentives, but instead by technologies targeted to improving value directives.Read More »
Top 10 Emerging Technology Opportunities
November 5, 2012New legislation, the need to control costs and a shifting population mix is changing the way providers look at new technology. These are all key factors in driving new trends and emerging technologies. High dollar items such as robotics and imaging systems will continue to catch the eye of leading edge providers. But the next generation technology has a broader target focused on providing solutions to address value to both the patient and the payor.Read More »
The Impact of Consumables and Implant Costs on Your Bottom Line
October 8, 2012Health care market trends over the past decade have made it increasingly difficult for hospitals to provide the services demanded of them while maintaining financial viability. Ever-shrinking profit margins and red ink are the result of growing expenses, flat reimbursement rates and over-utilization. A hospital has very little control over reimbursement and utilization, but shrewd control of supply costs can go a long way in improving a facility's fiscal health. Unlike most other expense areas, supply costs are negotiable and provided the right tools and information, a hospital can potentially save millions.Read More »
Evidence-Based Maintenance Change Could Mean Big Dollars
September 6, 2012Safety has always been a primary focus for hospitals. Traditionally, hospital plant and clinical engineers are given the lead when modifying routine manufacturer recommended maintenance schedules and protocols. Equipment that proves to be very reliable or has limited use can have less frequent routine maintenance, maximizing affordability without compromising patient safety.Read More »
The Sound Wave of the Future? HIFU: More Than the Promise of Bloodless Surgery
July 25, 2012HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is an emerging technology with a wide range of promising applications. The procedure involves precisely focused high intensity sound waves, offering patients more effective therapies without blood loss and with lower lengths of stay and less risk of infection.Read More »
ICD-10 Conversion: More Than Just Software
May 21, 2012The day is coming soon when both provider and payor will face the challenge of converting from the current ICD-9 ...Read More »
mHealth: The Next Generation in Telemedicine
March 1, 2012Mobile health (mHealth) is not a single technology but a collection of wireless systems working together to bridge the gap ...Read More »
Opportunities for 2012 Reimbursement
January 1, 2012Hospitals are facing multiple challenges, including technology decisions, personnel shortages, government mandates, and financial concerns. Reimbursement is topping the list ...Read More »