The Business of Healthcare

‘Seasonality’ affects healthcare spending annually, with people waiting until after they’ve met their deductibles to get the care they need. Unfortunately, there are consequences to that behavior. When people delay care due to financial concerns, their health outcomes can be worse.

With CMS taking the lead on reinstating the IPO list, insurance companies are under pressure to relax their site of service rules. The result is more procedures in hospital operating rooms for patients with Medicare and commercial insurance.

Medical debt is a significant problem in the U.S., where consumers carry an estimated $140 billion in medical debt. From consumers to employers to hospitals and health systems, this bad debt poses a litany of issues throughout society.

With the majority of patient care happening beyond the four walls of hospitals, there’s an incredible opportunity for providers who embrace ambulatory care and find ways to work in tandem with local employers.

By being more proactive and investing in relationships with self-insured companies — locally, regionally, or nationally — hospitals and health systems can build a foundation for lasting success.

Even with health insurance, many Americans struggle to afford their healthcare expenses. Offering a Health Payment Account as a supplement to your health plan can improve the wellness of your employees.