Hospital M&A for 2019 slightly above last year's pace

The third quarter featured 25 announced transactions valued at $8.14 billion, lagging behind the second quarter's near-record of $11.3 billion, according to a new report from Kaufman Hall.

By Shannon Muchmore • Oct. 16, 2019

Medicare, Medicaid hospital payment cuts to hit $252.6B, industry study finds

"Hospitals are nearing the tipping point we have predicted for so long," Chip Kahn, CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, said of the report commissioned by his group and AHA.

By Linda Wilson • Oct. 16, 2019

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

Hospitals, manufacturers could donate cybersecurity software under proposed regs

With the cost of protecting systems from malicious hackers increasing, the idea to tweak the anti-kickback laws recognizes some physician practices don't have the resources or expertise to keep pace, one lawyer said.

By David Lim • Oct. 14, 2019

From 'dating sites' to AI-powered symptom checkers: How hospitals are competing for volume

Health systems across the country are looking for creative ways to capture patients as non-traditional competitors elbow into their markets.

By Samantha Liss • Oct. 14, 2019

Sutter, Kaiser among hospitals hit by Northern California blackouts

Several hospitals had to rely on backup power as a result of blackouts imposed by Pacific Gas & Electric, and several clinics had to close temporarily.

By Ron Shinkman • Oct. 11, 2019

Providers mostly cheer anti-kickback revamp but some still wary

The Medical Group Management Association said the proposals fall short, citing a need for clarity on imaging, physical therapy and laboratory services as well as an overhaul of penalties.

By Samantha Liss • Oct. 10, 2019

Mayo Clinic's legal tussle over $11.5M tax refund drags on

At issue is whether the top-ranked Rochester, Minn.-based nonprofit is an educational organization and, as such, entitled to collect certain tax refunds.

By Samantha Liss • Oct. 8, 2019

As docs ditch primary care to become hospitalists, MedPAC warns of shortage

The number of hospitalists increased nearly 50% between 2010 and 2017 while the number of PCPs is basically flatlining, according to a new report from the Medicare advisory commission.

By Ron Shinkman • Oct. 7, 2019

CommonSpirit Health posts $600M operating loss in 2019

The entity coming from the marriage of Dignity Health and Catholic Health Initiatives said the results from its first annual financial report were expected given the complexity of the merger.

By Samantha Liss • Oct. 7, 2019

Healthcare leads the way as US hits lowest unemployment mark in decades

"[T]he combination of strong demand growth from healthcare employers and shortages of many clinicians (nurses, physicians) creates a positive set-up for the healthcare temp staffing industry," Jefferies analysts wrote.

By Shannon Muchmore • Oct. 7, 2019

Dartmouth-Hitchcock, GraniteOne to merge, consolidating Vermont, New Hampshire providers

The deal will create a company with eight hospitals and nearly $3 billion in revenue.

By Ron Shinkman • Oct. 3, 2019

Hospital electrification will lead corporate renewable procurement in next 5 years: Deloitte

Interest from corporations in renewable energy creates opportunities for utilities to offer green tariff programs, Deloitte's U.S. renewable energy principal said.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Oct. 3, 2019

UPS to expand its medical drone delivery to providers nationwide

The company's current operations involve transporting temperature-sensitive blood and other medical items using drones capable of carrying up to five-pound loads over 12 miles.

By Morgan Forde • Oct. 2, 2019

After much fanfare, Civica Rx delivers its 1st drugs

A Utah hospital was the first recipient of the health system coalition's medication, an injectable antibiotic that is frequently in short supply.

By Samantha Liss • Oct. 2, 2019

Providers mostly applaud CMS over fee schedule, but some specialists fear cuts

Though lobbying groups lauded the agency for walking back a controversial E/M proposal, psychologists predicted a "mass exodus" of those who treat Medicare beneficiaries.

By Samantha Liss • Oct. 1, 2019

'A radical experiment': Payers, providers renew attacks on price transparency proposal

Industry groups skewered the rule as "the wrong approach," "anticompetitive," "confusing" and "missing the mark."

By Rebecca Pifer • Sept. 30, 2019

Executives say lack of resources biggest obstacle to value-based care

Respondents to a Definitive Healthcare survey also noted interoperability gaps, an unpredictable revenue stream and the financial risk in value-based care initiatives as barriers.

By Ron Shinkman • Sept. 30, 2019

After California surprise billing law, fewer specialty services were out-of-network

The new report "strongly contradicts" the California Hospital Association's claims the law is destroying provider networks, a study author said.

By Shannon Muchmore • Sept. 27, 2019

While doubtful, some hospital execs prepping for price transparency rule

If the CMS rules are finalized, a court challenge is likely, 57% of execs said in the survey.

By Samantha Liss • Sept. 27, 2019

Device makers must adapt to rise of ASCs, analysts say

Bain & Company experts predict medtech companies may consider new business models, such as taking equity stakes in ambulatory surgery centers, to drive use of their latest devices.

By Nick Paul Taylor • Sept. 27, 2019

More than 70% of hospital data breaches include sensitive info

Researchers suggested policymakers require health systems and other companies provide standardized documentation of what data was compromised following a breach in addition to the number of patients affected.

By Rebecca Pifer • Sept. 26, 2019

CMS rules aim to reduce regulatory burden for providers

One of the agency's final rules posted Wednesday requires hospitals to create discharge evaluations for patients at risk of adverse health consequences and for anyone whose family requests one.

By Shannon Muchmore • Sept. 26, 2019

Kaiser strike called off as company, unions reach tentative agreement

Arlene Peasnall, Kaiser's interim chief human resources officer, said the company and its workforce "may disagree at times, but we have always been able to work through our challenges to align on common goals."

By Rebecca Pifer • Updated Sept. 25, 2019

CMS finalizes Medicaid DSH cuts, but Congress could still delay

The cuts are scheduled to go into effect next month, but the House voted to put off the changes last week and the Senate is expected to consider that legislation this week.

By Shannon Muchmore • Sept. 24, 2019

Sutter antitrust trial opens, with implications for M&A across US

A ruling against the hospital system would send waves through the hundreds of providers that have been steadily consolidating in the past 25 years. A win could send prices both in California and the rest of the nation even higher.

By Ron Shinkman • Sept. 23, 2019