Financial Management
A series in the New York Times entitled 鈥減rofits over patients鈥 has presented a flawed narrative of America鈥檚 hospitals 鈥 specifically not-for-profit health systems. The
The 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) today released a new report on delays in hospitals鈥 ability to discharge patients to the most appropriate care setting and the negative consequences these delays are having on patients and the hospitals that care for them.
Patients requiring additional care after a hospitalization 鈥 such as skilled nursing, behavioral health or therapy-at-home 鈥 face growing delays in accessing that care. Delays in discharges as patients move through the continuum of care can cause harm to patients鈥 health outcomes and can impact鈥
Significant workforce shortages at facilities, such as those in post-acute and behavioral health, is making it more difficult for hospitals to efficiently and appropriately discharge patients. Hospitals have to bear the costs of caring for patients for those excess days without any reimbursement.
Hospital and health system leaders can register for a Dec. 6 AHA Advocacy Day event in Washington, D.C. The in-person event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon ET. Attendees also can participate in a networking event on Monday evening, Dec. 5.
Representatives of our nation鈥檚 hospitals and health systems, ask Congressional leaders to prevent the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go sequester from taking effect.
U.S. hospitals and health systems in September experienced their ninth consecutive month of negative operating margins, according to the report released yesterday by Kaufman Hall. Median operating margins were down 46% in September compared to a year ago, driven by declining revenues and discharges鈥
A new AHA video features hospital and health system leaders from across the country sharing how severe financial pressures are jeopardizing access to care and services for patients in their communities. Visit AHA鈥檚 Pressure Points webpage for more information and resources about the challenges鈥
Kaufman Hall discusses hospital bond covenant requirements, implications of covenant breaches, and steps to take if covenants are violated.
As Congress begins to focus on its end of the year agenda for 2022, America鈥檚 hospitals and health systems respectfully request that you consider the following priorities.