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In health care today, many forces and factors are creating an environment for hospitals that might be called “consolidation friendly.” As a result, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are on the rise. This article lists some of the reasons for considering an M&A deal, how to prepare for one, and what the process involves.
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For almost a decade, pressure has been growing on nonprofit hospitals to justify their tax-exempt status. In a few cases, IRS enforcement efforts have led to some hospitals losing their nonprofit status. On top of that, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has imposed new requirements on these facilities. This article discusses traditional risk areas for tax-exempt hospitals, and lists steps they should take to protect their tax-exempt status. A sidebar briefly discusses whether Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) may qualify for such status.
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Thousands of Americans die each year as a result of medical errors. Hospital leaders are in a distinctive position to nurture organizational culture and initiate steps needed to reduce the systemic causes of medical errors and harm to patients. This article explains how to nurture a culture of safety, build a safety program, and use proven tools for improving communication and building awareness among staff, patients and families. A sidebar discusses “root cause analysis,” a structured approach for identifying the factors that result in harmful outcomes.
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Market forces, reform legislation and survival-based financial strategies are pushing hospitals toward close integration with their physicians. This entails a true intermingling of their decisions, activities, values and desires — not simply joint ventures, working relationships or shared risk. But doing so will take careful planning and execution. This article looks at the basic phases in any hospital’s integration program.
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