We are surrounded by technological innovation throughout our daily lives, and yet, as a society, we are complacent when it comes to the “old world” software model that underpins our US healthcare system.

The current healthcare landscape is challenging as costs continue to rise across the industry, with experts predicting an additional seven percent increase next year. Additionally, hundreds of hospitals, especially in rural communities, are at serious risk of closing their doors permanently, which not only impacts access to quality care but a primary employment source for the community.

Highlights from our conversation with: Ivar Mendez, MD, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Surgery and Director of the Virtual Care and Remote Presence Robotics Programs, University of Saskatchewan Howard Rubin, Chief Information Officer, Evara Health Shawn Valenta, Vice President of Healthcare Cloud – Clinical Services, Wellpath

Across the US, hospitals are facing unprecedented financial challenges.

Medicine is not the glamorous profession it once was. Between the annual Medicare rebalancing of fee schedules and payers’ wily and sometimes deceitful tactics to minimize their responsibility, the financial pressure on providers is reaching the breaking point. 

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days. And while the hype is mostly warranted, I think it is important to have a clear understanding of what generative AI is and how it can be used in health care.

This podcast series is brought to you by Becker’s Healthcare and ECG Management Consultants. ECG is a leading consulting firm that has worked exclusively with healthcare organizations for more than 50 years and helps them achieve their most critical goals. 1.) Healthcare Upside/Down: Healthcare Mergers Unveiled Join Molly Gamble in this special episode of the Becker's Healthcare & ECG Management Consultants Healthcare Upside/Down Podcast as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with two distinguished guests - Cathy Jacobson, the President and CEO of Froedtert Health, a prominent healthcare system in Milwaukee, and Dr. Tim Babineau, Principal at ECG Management Consultants. 2.) Healthcare Upside/Down: Leading a Diverse Health System - with Adventist Health CEO and ECG Management Consultants Join us for an engaging episode of the Becker's Healthcare Podcast featuring thought leaders Kerry Heinrich, President & CEO of Adventist Health, Kevin P. Forster, Principal at ECG Management Consultants, and Molly Gamble, Vice President of Editorial & Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Hospital Review. In this episode, we delve into the complex world of leading a diverse health system while striking a balance between urban and rural healthcare delivery. Our experts will explore the challenges and strategies involved in serving diverse populations and markets while maintaining consistent patient care experiences. Tune in as we discuss topics such as service line rationalization, clinical coordination, and the crucial role of physician enterprise recruitment, retention, and productivity across disparate healthcare landscapes. 3.) Healthcare Upside/Down: Strategic Metrics and Autonomy: Navigating the New Era of Healthcare Integration with CFO Nick Barcellona and ECG Partners Dan Harrison and Malita Scott  Join Molly Gamble, along with Nick Barcellona, CFO at WVU Medicine, Dan Harrison, partner with ECG, and Malita Scott, partner with ECG, as they explore the upsides and downsides of healthcare and the industry's current trends. In this episode, the focus is on Physician Enterprise Return on Investments, diving into the evolving dynamics of hospital-physician relationships. Nick shares insights from WVU Medicine's perspective, emphasizing the shift towards value-based contracting and the impact on margins. The conversation explores the challenges health systems face in extracting value from physician enterprises and the importance of strategic alignment, transparency, and metrics beyond financials. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on navigating the changing landscape of healthcare partnerships and optimizing physician enterprise performance. 4.) Healthcare Upside/Down: Navigating Healthcare Excellence: A Deep Dive with Dr. Mark Chassin and Dr. Timothy Babineau on Quality, Safety, and Industry Progress Dive into the intricacies of the healthcare quality and safety movement in this enlightening podcast featuring esteemed guests, Dr. Mark Chassin, President Emeritus of The Joint Commission, and Dr. Timothy Babineau, Principal Academic Healthcare at ECG Management Consultants. Join the conversation as they explore the origins, progress, and challenges of the quality and safety movement in healthcare, shedding light on transformative wins and the industry's struggles in adopting aviation-inspired safety practices. The discussion delves into the role of leadership and governing boards, assessing the impact of publicly reported rating agencies on healthcare quality. As the conversation unfolds, the speakers share insights on the pandemic's influence on healthcare systems' focus on quality and safety, navigating labor shortages, and addressing hospital margin pressures. Don't miss this engaging dialogue that offers a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape's ongoing pursuit of excellence.  5.) Healthcare Upside/Down: Private Equity, Partnerships, and the Future of Service Delivery Join Scott Becker in a dynamic discussion with industry experts Katie Fellin, Jared Langus, Scott Nordlund, and Justin Ishbia as they delve into the complexities of private equity in healthcare. From exploring the landscape and investment trends to examining the impact on health systems, the panel addresses critical questions. Gain insights into the evolving partnerships between private equity firms and health systems, the role of disruptive forces, and expert advice for leaders navigating the intricate intersections of healthcare and investment. 6.) Healthcare Upside/Down: Navigating the Future: Strategies for Academic Healthcare Success In this episode, join Molly Gamble from Becker's Healthcare as she discusses key trends and priorities in academic healthcare with industry leaders Cristy Page, Pradeep Kadambi, and Leah Gassett. Explore topics such as navigating market dynamics, addressing workforce challenges, and the role of academic health systems in tackling national healthcare spending. 7.) Healthcare Upside/Down: Futureproofing Children's Health Systems: Strategies for Success In this episode, Molly Gamble from Becker's Healthcare leads a conversation on the evolving landscape of children's health systems with Peggy Troy, President and CEO of Children’s Wisconsin, and Dr. Jeff Sperring, CEO of Seattle Children’s Hospital. Joined by Evan Lynch-Throne, Principal at ECG Management Consultants, the discussion explores the impact of industry consolidation, strategies for addressing pediatric mental health challenges, and innovative approaches to improving care access and equity. 8.) Healthcare Upside/Down: The Changing Dynamics of Physician Compensation Discover the intricacies of physician compensation with Molly Gamble on Healthcare Upside/Down, a podcast series by Becker’s Healthcare + ECG Management Consultants. Join industry experts Stuart Baugher and Jamaal Campbell as they explore trends, common models, and strategies for simplification in healthcare finance. Gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of physician compensation and learn how effective administration can shape compensation plans. 9.) Healthcare Upside/Down: Decoding Hospital Margins Join Molly Gamble for Healthcare Upside/Down, a Becker’s Healthcare + ECG Management Consultants podcast, as she discusses the fluctuations in hospital margins and the impact on the future of value-based care with Terri Welter and Dr. Paul Casey from Rush University Medical Center. Delve into provider-payer partnerships, key strategies for success, and priorities for health system and payer leaders in the coming year.

The summer has marked a period of transformation for health system C-suites as industry pressures mount. Some executives are absorbing the jobs of two individuals in an increased push toward integration. 

In a time of staffing uncertainty, what steps can help healthcare facilities create dependable operating room (OR) teams? By implementing these four strategies, hospitals can foster work environments that engage clinicians, enabling organizations to withstand current staffing challenges and continue to deliver high-quality care to their patients.

Supplying your organization with the latest and greatest technology may feel like trying to keep up with the Joneses. Everyone else seems to have an IT infrastructure that blows yours out of the water – but how could you possibly afford what they have? You’re not alone – many business owners believe they can’t make room in the budget for better technology solutions. Luckily, finding the money to upgrade your infrastructure isn’t as unattainable as it may seem with a telecom audit.

Saint Luke's Health System, a 14-hospital organization based in Kansas City, Mo., said it plans to go from four regions to three for greater collaboration and consistency of patient experience.

The University of Tennessee Medical Center, Tennova Healthcare and Summit Medical Group, all based in Knoxville, are partnering on a new employer-sponsored health plan called the East Tennessee Health Plan.

Patient-centered technology is key to transforming the prior authorization, appointment-setting and revenue cycle processes from tedious tasks to frictionless experiences.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, refining Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) will be paramount for healthcare leaders to keep pace with operational and clinical efficiency while increasing cost savings. Specialty practices face an additional layer of complexity. The intricacies of specialty care demand an RCM approach as precise as the care itself to ensure practice optimization.

After the exhilarating burst of adoption of Digital Health technologies through the global pandemic, the reality of Digital Health’s initial promise is normalizing. The bar has been raised to demonstrate the impact of Digital Health. The advent and growth of value-based contracts heightens the need to demonstrate the role of Digital Health in improving the quality and cost outcomes intrinsic to value-based models. This article focuses on the challenges and opportunities for Digital Health technologies to clearly demonstrate value in a world of value-based contracts and models.

In the face of an evolving healthcare landscape and challenges brought on by a labor shortage affecting the nation, healthcare organizations are increasingly seeking innovative strategies to not only cut costs but also maintain a high standard of patient care.

During COVID-19 pandemic, implant procedures slowed as elective surgeries were put on hold. Now, demand is ramping back up. With the resumption of demand, many hospitals, health systems and ambulatory surgery centers are encountering unique challenges related to ordering and distributing implants.

To facilitate full and accurate Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) coding, it is crucial that providers take a disciplined approach to documenting medical encounters in patient records. The AAPC  suggests providers use the acronym “MEAT” to ensure accurate HCC coding and proper documentation:

What trends are impacting healthcare organizations this year? Where do leaders anticipate their focus will be in three-to-five years? To get a pulse on what industry leaders are thinking, Huron surveyed 300 healthcare executives across the U.S.

The home might grow noisy and crowded in the years to come.