Tenet increases company layoffs to 2K

The hospital operator recently announced plans to divest two properties and expects to reap millions in lower taxes from the new tax law. 

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 9, 2018

Allscripts to buy Practice Fusion for $100M

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of this year.

By Jeff Byers , Meg Bryant • Jan. 9, 2018

Could narrow networks be the next big cost cutter?

Narrow provider networks can mean lower costs, but also less flexibility for members and likely lower patient satisfaction. 

By Les Masterson • Jan. 9, 2018

Health Affairs: Ending Medicaid expansion would cause rural hospitals to go under

Researchers found Medicaid expansion improved hospital finances and meant a substantially lower chance that hospitals — especially rural facilities — closed.

By Les Masterson • Jan. 9, 2018

Avalere: Value-based care movement will overcome speed bumps this year

The annual report predicted a year full of changes to the healthcare system, including additional attempts to repeal the ACA, mergers and technological changes.

By Les Masterson • Jan. 8, 2018

Uncompensated care increased for community hospitals in 2016

An AHA report found that 4,840 community hospitals provided a total of $38.3 billion in uncompensated care in 2016, up from $35.7 billion in 2015.  

By Les Masterson • Jan. 8, 2018

CVS expects $1.2B increase in annual net income from tax bill

Adjusted earnings per share are expected to be at the lower end of the $1.88-$1.92 range announced during the company’s 2017 Q3 earnings call. 

By David Lim • Jan. 5, 2018

A.M. Best improves outlook for health insurance industry to 'stable'

A new report from the ratings agency said multiple payer product lines remain profitable despite issues in the individual market. 

By Les Masterson • Jan. 4, 2018

Colorado law requires hospitals post prices for common procedures

Beginning Jan. 1, state hospitals must provide self-pay pricing information for the 50 most used diagnosis-related group codes and 25 most-used procedural technology billing codes.

By Les Masterson • Jan. 3, 2018

2.3% medical device tax resumes after 2-year hiatus

The controversial tax was among several levies as part of the Affordable Care Act.

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 3, 2018

Hospital groups press on with 340B lawsuit despite judge's decision

The changes to the 340B drug prescription program went into effect on Jan. 1 and will mean huge prescription payment cuts to hospitals. 

By Les Masterson • Jan. 3, 2018

CMS proposes Medicare Advantage risk adjustment increase

The proposal would increase payments for MA members with mental health issues, substance use disorder and chronic kidney disease starting in 2019.

By Les Masterson • Jan. 2, 2018

Partners, Care New England extend merger talks in 2018

One sticking point in negotiations was the sale of Memorial Hospital, which CNE has decided to close.

By Meg Bryant • Jan. 2, 2018

Health systems brace for 2018 disruption

Look for more care in outpatient settings as hospitals consider cost containment and hiring strategies to stay above water.

By Jeff Byers , Shannon Muchmore , David Lim • Jan. 2, 2018

Kindred Healthcare shareholder opposes Humana, private equity deal

Brigade Capital Management said the $4.1 billion deal will "short-change existing shareholders," criticizing the $9 per share valuation for stockholders as "disappointing and grossly inadequate."

By Les Masterson • Jan. 2, 2018

Scripps Health plans reorganization, layoffs in 2018

CEO Chris Van Gorder told staff the moves are needed to remain competitive in light of lowering reimbursements and patients who are shopping around for services due to high deductibles.

By Les Masterson • Jan. 2, 2018

ACA signups surge in last week, HealthCare.gov total at 8.8M

Many state-run exchanges are still enrolling people, which could result in overall enrollment for 2018 to potentially exceed 2017, according to Larry Levitt, senior vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation. 

By David Lim • Dec. 21, 2017

Physician job growth varies greatly by region, report finds

Seven of the 10 highest-paying jobs in 2017 were in the medical field, according to a separate report by CareerCast. 

By Meg Bryant • Dec. 19, 2017

Tenet mulls sale of revenue cycle arm, forecasts 2018

The hospital operator said a 2018 outlook of operating revenue at about $18 billion stems from organic revenue growth, a pipeline of acquisitions across ambulatory offerings and the completion of a variety of divestitures.

By Jeff Byers , Shannon Muchmore • Dec. 19, 2017

Penn State Health, Highmark Health forge alliance

The new partnership may be a response to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's recent expansion into their territory.  

By Les Masterson • Dec. 19, 2017

Salesforce, Geneia launch app aimed at value-based care

The partnership seeks to help healthcare stakeholders spot gaps in care and reduce admissions and claims costs.   

By Les Masterson • Dec. 18, 2017

How the GOP tax bill could affect healthcare

 Here's a cheat sheet showing what the tax bill means for healthcare and other industries.

By Shannon Muchmore • Dec. 18, 2017

Fitch Ratings: Healthcare sector stable, but providers face headwinds

Regulatory uncertainties, growing consumerism, payer consolidation and a move from fee-for-service to value-based payments are all issues for providers. 

By Les Masterson • Dec. 18, 2017

Providers warming to risk-based payments, survey shows

The AMGA report also found that multiple barriers remain for value-based contracting, including issues with data sharing, limited access to capital and a lack of commercial risk products.  

By Les Masterson • Dec. 14, 2017

BCBS of Massachusetts paying members to shop around

The program will reward members $250 per procedure when they "shop for and get care from lower cost, quality providers."  

By Les Masterson • Dec. 13, 2017