Provider consolidation outpacing payer in most of US, study shows

Nearly 90% of metropolitan statistical areas have highly- or super-concentrated provider markets, according to The Commonwealth Fund.

By Meg Bryant • Aug. 1, 2018

Less than half of Americans worry about personal health data security

In contrast, nearly 70% of adults surveyed said they were extremely or very concerned about the security of their financial data.

By Meg Bryant • July 31, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Payer/provider relationships

As M&A intensifies and companies embrace more holistic and value-based care models, partnerships have become more closely intertwined.

By Healthcare Dive staff

Patients often choose higher-cost locations for MRIs, study finds

Referring physicians have more influence over a patient's decision than out-of-pocket costs, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research report.

By Les Masterson • July 31, 2018

Industry split on CMS site neutrality proposal

Hospitals and health systems say site-neutral payments would hinder access for patients. Doctors and some policy experts argue that access shouldn't hinge on payment disparity. 

By Tony Abraham • July 31, 2018

Centene, Ascension joining forces for Medicare Advantage plan

Though there are few specifics about the plan, the companies said it would be a preferred model for the systems and affiliates in multiple markets.

By Les Masterson • July 31, 2018

ACOs may affect physician employment patterns, JAMA study finds

The report showed an increase in ACO enrollment was connected with fewer physician work hours per week and fewer doctors choosing self-employment.

By Les Masterson • July 30, 2018

CHS beats Q2 expectations despite drops in revenue, admissions

The 119-hospital system is working on paring down its massive long-term debt through divestiture and cost management efforts.

By Rebecca Pifer • July 27, 2018

UHS revenue up 2.6% to $2.68B in Q2

The company's reserve for a federal fraud settlement now totals $43 million.

By Meg Bryant • July 27, 2018

Despite higher medical spending, older Americans have less debt, study finds

The average size of medical debt dropped by nearly 40% between the ages of 27 and 64, according to a new Health Affairs study.

By Meg Bryant • July 27, 2018

How providers are working to stem missed appointments

Millions of patients cancel, skip or reschedule appointments with their clinicians every year, creating vacant schedules and expenses that can cost the industry $150 billion annually.

By Tony Abraham • July 27, 2018

HCA revenue, admissions up in strong Q2

Compared to the same quarter last year, the health system's revenues increased 7.4% to $11.5 billion and admissions increased 2.8%.

By Tony Abraham • July 25, 2018

One Medical expands footprint into Southern California

As part of the launch, One Medical is partnering with UC San Diego on coordinating primary and specialty care for area members.

By Meg Bryant • July 25, 2018

CMS rule proposes site neutral payments, extends 340B cuts

The American Hospital Association accused the agency of showing "a lack of understanding about the reality in which hospitals and health systems operate daily to serve the needs of their communities."

By Tony Abraham • July 25, 2018

Some patients fight back against surprise medical bills

"People that come to us are often quite distraught," says Akshay Gupta, co-founder of CoPatient, a firm that helps patients resolve their medical bills.

By Meg Bryant • July 25, 2018

How Mercy Health consolidated its supply chain

Facing rising costs and inconsistencies, health systems are strengthening efficiency by vertically integrating their supply chains.

By Nicole Ault • July 25, 2018

Gender equity in healthcare still has a way to go, report finds

Only 5% of women in healthcare believe parity in the workplace will happen in the next five years.

By Meg Bryant • July 24, 2018

Banner's Epic to Cerner conversion generated medical errors

In one example, an incorrect dosage of medication was prescribed for a baby, according to a report from the Arizona Department of Health.

By Rebecca Pifer • July 24, 2018

Liability immunity reduces defensive medicine without hurting outcomes, paper says

When doctors are immune from liability they order fewer tests and procedures, reducing inpatient spending by 5%, according to the study from the National Bureau of Economic Research.

By Meg Bryant • July 24, 2018

Non-physician providers improve practice bottom lines, MGMA says

The survey also found that operating costs for primary care practices rose 13% over the past five years.

By Les Masterson • July 23, 2018

Health systems increasingly think small. At the micro level.

"It's intended to be the 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' version," one hospital executive quipped about the micro-campus goal.

By Les Masterson • July 23, 2018

LifePoint acquired by Apollo for $5.6B

The buyout firm plans to merge LifePoint with RCCH Healthcare Partners. The combined company will operate 84 hospitals in largely rural areas across 30 states under the LifePoint banner.

By Tony Abraham • July 23, 2018

Beth Israel-Lahey Health merger would sharply hike health costs, Mass. panel finds

The attorney general has also raised concerns about the proposed deal, which would result in one of the largest mergers in the state’s history.

By Meg Bryant • July 20, 2018

UnitedHealth eyes Tenet's healthcare management business, WSJ reports

Tenet is still weighing whether to sell Conifer, which accounted for 8% of the company's revenue in 2017.

By Meg Bryant • July 20, 2018

Maryland broadens hospital price transparency initiative

The Maryland Health Care Commission website helps consumers compare prices for common non-emergency procedures and now includes new payer data.

By Tony Abraham • July 20, 2018

Docs still not all in on virtual care, Deloitte study says

The consultancy suggests including frontline physicians in defining telemedicine goals and formal training on the technology.

By Meg Bryant • July 20, 2018