MHA's Executive Briefing

Thinking of admitting this patient? Think again

The growth of observation care has challenged physicians' relationships with patients. Doctors are often the ones who have to tell patients that being in observation likely means higher out-of-pocket costs and possible complications at discharge if a nursing home or rehab is recommended. Because observation status is considered outpatient care, patients typically aren't eligible for the same follow-up services they receive as an inpatient.

Read more from Today's Hospitalist here.

AHA Regulatory Advisory: CMS changes interpretive guidelines for ordering rehabilitation services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has rescinded interpretive guidance it issued last fall pertaining to the ordering of rehabilitation and respiratory care services under the hospital Conditions of Participation and issued new guidance enabling hospital outpatient departments to accept orders from outside practitioners.

The American Hospital Association has prepared a brief Regulatory Advisory highlighting these changes. If you are an MHA member and would like a copy, please email Shawn Rossi at srossi@mhanet.org. 

 

Save the Date: MHA's 81st annual Leadership Conference

More information is available here! Register online here. All members who register online and pay with a credit card are eligible to win a free iPad! This drawing will be held during the keynote session of the Conference. You must be present to win. REGISTER & PAY TODAY!

 

For more information contact Judith Forshee at (800) 289-8884, (601) 368-3216 or jforshee@mhanet.org.

5 Hospital and Health System CEOs: What "Top Performance" Looks Like to Me

What does it mean to be a top-performer, exactly? The phrase is often spoken with implicit meaning, but ask any two people and you'll likely hear different definitions.

To help clarify what "top performance" looks like in healthcare right now, five hospital and health system CEOs from around the country deconstructed the term into five realms: clinical quality, finance, patient satisfaction, employee and physician morale, and leadership. Here is how a handful of our country's healthcare leaders are describing — and working toward — top performance within their organization.

A Toolkit for Health Care Boards

Lewis Morris, Chief Counsel to the Inspector General, provides tips for health care boards to promote quality of care and embrace compliance with the law. Learn more here.

AHA trustee discusses experience with delivery system reform

American Hospital Association Trustee James Hinton, president and CEO of Presbyterian Healthcare Services in Albuquerque, NM, recently shared with AHA members insights from his organization's experience with delivery system reform and integration. To access a video of his presentation, click here.

More hospitals charge upfront fees for nonurgent care in emergency rooms

Led by the Nashville-based HCA, a growing number of hospitals have implemented a pay-first policy in an effort to divert patients with routine illnesses from the ER after they undergo a federally required screening. At least half of all hospitals nationwide now charge upfront ER fees. But emergency-room doctors and patient advocates blast the policy as potentially harmful to patients.

Read the full article from the Washington Post here.

Financing Options for Large Nonprofit Hospitals and Multi-Hospital Systems

Lancaster Pollard has published a white paper, Financing Options for Large Nonprofit Hospitals and Multi-Hospital Systems, available for download here.

This paper is designed to demystify several long-term financing options for large hospitals and multi-hospital systems and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each. First, this paper outlines the relationship between a system’s strategic plan for future operations and its financial plan. Then, traditional and alternative capital funding options are discussed.

In addition, this paper highlights the critical role financial risk management plays in a hospital's financial plan. The funding of a system’s growth through the most appropriate financing means helps ensure the proper maintenance of a system’s capital structure. A strong capital structure is at the foundation of a system's credit strength, and as such, critical to the ability of a system to optimally fund organizational growth, drive profitability, and deliver enhanced health care services.

Fiscal Fitness: How to Cut Hospital Labor Costs

Labor costs are the single largest driver of spending growth for hospitals. Lee Ann Jarousse, senior editor of custom publications for H&HN magazine, talks with Brad Fetters, managing director of Huron Consulting Group, about ways to cut workforce costs without compromising quality and safety.

Trustee Magazine: How Public Hospital Boards Can Thrive

Strategizing for a volatile health care environment is tricky for any board, but directors of publicly funded hospitals must also navigate disclosure requirements and a mix of elected and appointed members. But with the help of a strong chief executive, boards can educate themselves, reconcile gaps in expertise and execute key tasks while remaining transparent.

Learn more here.