Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health — now a 32-hospital system after the 2024 acquisition of Lehigh Valley Health Network — is prioritizing integration and financial sustainability post-transaction. Joseph Cacchione, MD, who has been CEO for the last two and a half years, said the health system — which also includes a nearly 400,000-member health plan and a…
Question Did spending for patients attributed to accountable care organizations (ACOs) differ from other patients enrolled in Medicare in the first decade of the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP)? Findings In this difference-in-differences study of more than 8 million patients, ACO formation was associated with a mean differential reduction of $142 (1.2%) in annual per-patient spending over…
As the healthcare industry continues its shift toward value-based payment models, ASCs could be poised to be major beneficiaries of this transformation. Many industry leaders believe ASCs’ cost efficiency, streamlined operations and focus on quality outcomes make them ideal candidates for success in a value-driven healthcare landscape. According to FTI Consulting’s “Hospital Operations Outlook Survey,”…
In the complex world of healthcare, the importance of accurate coding and billing cannot be overstated. For healthcare providers participating in Medicare Risk Adjustment (MRA) programs, coding compliance is crucial in ensuring that patients receive the right care and that healthcare organizations meet legal and financial obligations. Non-compliance can lead to significant financial risks, regulatory…
Presidential transitions are always a time of great change, but few leaders have ushered in a shift as sweeping as the rewiring of one-seventh of the U.S. economy. President Trump has the opportunity to do just that by doubling down on the health transformation achievements of his first term. A key to success is continuing the…
Few buzzwords are as popular in healthcare as “value-based care.” But understanding of the term is often superficial, according to Alex Ding, MD, enterprise deputy chief medical officer at Humana. The company published its annual value-based care report in February. The annual report provides data on savings and outcomes achieved through value-based care — but…
As the aging population continues to shift into Medicare eligibility and toward Medicare Advantage programs, provider organizations are seeing their margins shrink to worrisome, unsustainable levels. For health systems, the time is now to pursue smart strategies for sustainability and growth. This was the main theme during an executive learning session at Becker’s 12th Annual…
Medical coding plays a vital role in healthcare, converting patient encounters into standardized codes used for billing, insurance claims, and performance tracking. Despite its behind-the-scenes nature, coding significantly impacts revenue cycles and regulatory compliance in healthcare organizations. With increased scrutiny from payers and government agencies, ensuring that medical coding practices align with current regulations has…
University Hospitals’ accountable care organization had a math problem: More than 64,000 diabetic patients and only a few endocrinologists. Besides the lack of available endocrinologists, there is a warped perception of who should care for the estimated 129 million Americans with at least one chronic disease, according to Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD. “Across America, the…
Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) programs play a vital role in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), ensuring accurate and comprehensive documentation that supports proper reimbursement, compliance, and quality patient care. With healthcare reimbursement models becoming increasingly complex, ACOs must implement strategies that streamline documentation, reduce errors, and align with Medicare’s risk adjustment models like Hierarchical Condition Category…