Top healthcare finance stories of 2014
The bulk of popular stories tackled issues from Medicare reimbursement changes to healthcare fraud.
As 2014 winds down, we've taken a look back at some of the biggest stories in healthcare finance in the past year. See what you may have missed.
As 2014 winds down, we've taken a look back at some of the biggest stories in healthcare finance in the past year. Our stories tackled issues from Medicare reimbursement changes to healthcare fraud and represented a mix of news, analysis and educated opinion on the topics. See what you may have missed below.
5 challenges facing health systems
Hospitals and health systems will face ever more pressure in 2014 to establish the core skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare market.
20 most beautiful hospitals of 2014
The most eye-catching awards list of the year was announced recently by healthcare staffing provider Soliant Health.
4 healthcare hot topics in 2014
With the closing of 2013 and arrival of 2014, it is a time to look ahead at a few of the industry trends we can expect in the upcoming 12 months.
Sweeping changes to 2015 Medicare Advantage, Part D regs
CMS released a proposed rule that would make significant revisions to the Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug program regulations. The agency estimates that the rule changes would reduce Medicare spending by $1.3 billion between 2015 and 2019.
The future of hospital inpatient volumes
Since the recession first began in 2008, hospitals and health systems have continually seen a drop in inpatient volumes. Most industry experts say they expect more of the same for the rest of 2014 and even the next five years or so.
4 common mistakes in leading cost reduction initiatives
All too often internal cost reduction initiatives fail to produce the level of savings required. Driving this level of change is not for the faint of heart and strong leadership is essential.
Quiet company poised to shake up legacy healthcare companies
For those who haven't heard yet of Theranos, take note because it may be a business disrupter of huge proportions.
As Medicaid expands, hospitals see declines in charity care, self pay
Hospitals in states that have expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act are already bringing in fewer self-pay and charity care patient cases, according to an analysis by the Colorado Hospital Association.
CMS reveals 2015 Medicare premiums and deductibles
The 2015 Medicare Part A deductible -- for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility and home healthcare services -- will increase by $44 in calendar year 2015 to $1,260, while the monthly Part A premium will decline by $19. Medicare Part B monthly premiums and deductibles will remain unchanged.
Slideshow: OIG's Most Wanted Fugitives 2014
The Office of Inspector General has again added to its list of the most wanted healthcare fugitives. In all, the OIG is seeking more than 170 fugitives on charges related to healthcare fraud and abuse.
