Editor's Note In this comprehensive session on nurse workforce management, The Valley Hospital speakers Jacqueline Gardocki, MBA, MSN, BSN, CNOR, CASC, nurse manager Luckow Pavilion same day services & pain management, and DeAnna Kearney, BSN, RN, CAPA, manager of endoscopy, highlighted the critical role of budgeting, staff tracking, cross-training, and…

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Editor's Note Although the central tenets of value-based healthcare have not changed, in many cases implementation has been reduced to little more than reducing costs, to the detriment of clinicians and patients. In a session at the 2025 OR Business Management Conference in February, economist Susanna Gallani, PhD, examined this…

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Editor's Note Moody’s Ratings has shifted the health insurance industry’s credit outlook from stable to negative, according to a February 3 article in Fierce Healthcare. According to the article, the downgrade is due to escalating medical costs that outpace reimbursement rates. Analysts project an 8% rise in commercial market spending…

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Takeaways • Although the central tenets of value-based healthcare have not changed, in many cases implementation has been reduced to little more than reducing costs, to the detriment of clinicians and patients. • The right incentives, such as recognition and work support, can effectively inspire clinicians to deliver high value…

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Takeaways • Interdepartmental collaboration and standardized communication are essential to quickly identifying and addressing supply chain challenges. • Just-in-time inventory strategies have gained traction since the pandemic. Successful strategies involve leveraging data, rethinking preference card management, and shifting to a demand-planning model. • Resiliency is essential to cope with the…

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Editor's Note Health system leaders expect to face mounting physician challenges, shifting reimbursement models, and new growth opportunities throughout this year, according to VMG Health’s Health System Leader Expectations survey. Based on responses from 73 health system leaders, the report highlights the sector’s key trends and priorities for 2025. Key…

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Editor's Note Hospital credit ratings in 2024 reflected mixed trends, with downgrades continuing to outpace upgrades, though at a slower rate than in 2023, according to a January 22 report from Kaufman Hall. The organization cites 5 key takeaways: Downgrades narrowed but persisted. The number of downgrades dropped to 95…

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Editor's Note Escalating administrative hurdles from insurers are heightening tensions between healthcare payers and providers who criticize the measures for threatening patient care, Modern Healthcare reported January 22. According to the article, policies attracting criticism include stringent prior authorization rules, claims denials, and new fees for appeals. For their part,…

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Editor's Note Growing consolidation and private equity investments in healthcare are driving up costs, reducing access, and raising quality concerns, according to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). According to HHS’ January 15 announcement, the report stems from a tri-agency effort by HHS, the…

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Editor's Note Anyone who has attended the annual OR Business Management Conference understands the value of an intimate event focused exclusively on OR efficiency and profitability. However, even regular attendees are likely to find something new this at year’s conference, which is scheduled for February 10-12, 2025, at the Saddlebrook…

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