The Institute of Healthcare Executives and Suppliers, (IHES)

Here is some positive news for our Hospitals! Kaufman Hall: Hospital Finances Have Stabilized Amid Rising Expenses The good news is that U.S. hospital organizations are doing relatively well in the first quarter of the year, as rising patient volume has helped to offset the impact of rising operational costs, according to leaders at the Chicago-based consulting and advisory firm?Kaufman Hall, a Vizient, Inc company. In January of this year, according to?data released by Kaufman Hall on March 17?in its “National Hospital Flash Report,” average monthly operating margins for U.S. hospitals were 4.4 percent, up from 3.7 percent in December, and considerably above the 0.5 percent in November of last year. Indeed, throughout 2024, the average monthly operating margin hovered between 1.3 percent and 1.8 percent consistently, except in April, when it reached 2.0 percent, and in December, when it hit 2.1 percent. Per the stabilized numbers, Erik Swanson, managing director and group leader of data and analytics at Kaufman Hall, said in a statement contained in Monday’s press release, that “January was a relatively stable month for hospitals, as more people received care due in part to seasonal challenges like flu and other respiratory diseases. Hospitals are also experiencing more rapid revenue growth from inpatient than outpatient services. Expenses are also rising, driven primarily by drug costs, though the rate of cost growth has slowed.” The report, which can be accessed here, offered the following “Key Takeaways”; -??Hospital performance remains stable at the start of 2025. This is due to a confluence of greater service volume and rising expenses. -??Expenses continue to be driven primarily by the cost of drugs. However, the rate of cost growth has slowed considerably. -?Inpatient revenue grew more quickly than outpatient revenue in January. More patients were treated in the hospital and emergency room. https://lnkd.in/eU6Whq5v

This is the meeting I prioritize and do not miss! Thank you Hays and Peggy for all your work in getting these colleagues and friends together twice a year!

We are extremely proud of you, Lee McCall, FACHE! Let's all salute the incredible men and women who protect us. us all!

?? Counting Down to Our 47th Meeting in Orlando! ?? We’re just around the corner from another impactful gathering, and this event wouldn’t be possible without our incredible healthcare sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to: ? Curae ? Gallagher ? Get Well ? LogicSource, Inc. ? Lucerna Health ? Premier Anesthesia Your support helps bring together brilliant minds, foster innovation, and advance the future of healthcare. We appreciate your dedication and support! We look forward to meaningful discussions, new ideas, and great connections in Orlando! ????See you all soon! ?? Hays Waldrop

???????????????? ?????????????? ???????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????? ???? ?? '?????????? ?????????????????????? ????????????????' Hospital operating margins hit a 12-month high of 7.6% in December, according to data from Kaufman Hall's "National Hospital Flash Report," but challenges continue to loom. Over the last year, hospitals reported steady financial improvement as outpatient revenue increased and patient observation days dropped 13% from 2023 to 2024. Expenses increased but didn't outpace inflation on a volume-adjusted basis, according to the report, which was released Feb. 4. But bad debt and charity care increased, which Kaufman Hall partially attributed to fewer people on Medicaid after coverage protection enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic expired. Insurance companies also increased coverage denials, leading to challenges for hospitals. "While it's encouraging to see continued stability in hospitals’ financial well-being over the past 12 months, historically slim margins indicate hospitals are not yet in a fully sustainable position," said Erik Swanson, senior vice president and data and analytics group leader with Kaufman Hall. "The uptick in bad debt and levels of uncompensated care provided by hospitals will be an indicator to monitor over the next several months. On the workforce front, we continue to see a competitive and tight labor market across the healthcare sector." Hospital operating margins jumped 12% month over month and 3% year over year in December. However, they were still down 8% for 2024 compared with 2021, during the pandemic. Net operating revenue jumped 6% year over year in December and outpatient revenue was up 10%. Expenses were flat month over month and increased 6% year over year in December. Compared with 2021, expenses jumped 17%. The expense increase was driven by year-over-year increases in: Labor expenses per calendar day: 5% Supply expenses per calendar day: 8% Drug expenses per calendar day: 8% Purchased service expense per calendar day: 9% Per Beckers report. https://lnkd.in/et3BC7BQ

?? Embracing the Future of Healthcare Technology in 2025 ?? According to insights from Becker’s, here are the top digital technologies that health systems CEO’s and suppliers can't afford to overlook this year: ? ?????????????????????????? ???????? & ?????????????????????????? ?? Prioritize advanced threat detection and data encryption to protect sensitive patient information. ? ???? & ?????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????????? ?? Enhance patient access and streamline backend processes to improve convenience and reduce no-show rates. ? ???????????????? ???????? ?????????????????? ?? Leverage AI-driven insights for higher efficiency, quality care, and optimal coordination. ? ?????????????????? ?????????????? "????????????????" ??? Implement extensive video capabilities for virtual nursing, ICU support, and more within every inpatient room. ? ????-???????????????? ?????????????????? ? Utilize low-cost wearables to predict and prevent clinical deteriorations across all care settings. ? Enhanced Throughput & Capacity Technologies ?? Boost clinician productivity with AI-assisted documentation and integrated EHR systems. ? ???????????????? ?????????? ???? ?? Explore generative AI and natural language processing for revenue cycle improvements and patient interactions. ? ???????????? ?????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ??? Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain patient trust through comprehensive cybersecurity measures. Source: Becker’s

?? 5 Key Questions for Healthcare Leaders in 2025 As we step into 2025, Hospital CEOs and Suppliers must navigate complex challenges and seize emerging opportunities. Here are the top questions shaping the healthcare landscape from an article from Beckers. ?Who Will Be the Next Disruptor? Example: Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, PBC’s Cost Plus Drugs is transforming drug manufacturing and distribution, partnering with major health systems like Penn Medicine and MultiCare Health System. ????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????? ???? ???? ???????????????? ????????????????? With healthcare accounting for nearly 20% of U.S. GDP, it's crucial to link it directly to economic well-being and advocate for sustainable Medicare reforms. ? ????????’?? ?????? ????????-???????? ???????????????? ?????? ?????? ???????????????????? ??????????????????? Emphasize long-term investments such as healthcare-focused education partnerships to build a resilient and sustainable workforce. ? ????????’?? ?????? ???????? ?????? ???????????????????????? ????????? Learn from the GLP-1 experience to ensure equitable access and proactive management of new blockbuster medications. ? ?????? ???????? ???? ???????????? ???? ??????????????????????? Adopt disciplined AI spending with clear goals and rigorous oversight to ensure meaningful outcomes and avoid resource drain. Insights courtesy of Molly Gamble, Becker’s Healthcare.

Looking to Get your Company in Front of Healthcare CEOs? Here’s Your Golden Ticket ?? We are accepting sponsorships for 2025. An IHES sponsorship allows you access to the sharpest minds in healthcare—CEOs, innovators, decision-makers. You’re not just part of the conversation; you’re helping lead it. Sounds pretty good, right? Now, here’s your chance. Since 2003, we’ve hosted 75 events with over 6,000 attendees, establishing IHES as a leader in bringing Providers and Suppliers together to learn, share, and network. Why should you jump at this Opportunity? ? Rub Elbows with Decision-Makers ? Boost Your Brand Your logo, your story, your solutions—front and center. ? Be Part of Something Bigger ? Stay Ahead of the Curve Hear firsthand what healthcare CEOs are focusing on. Interested in learning more? Only fpor slots available. Message me for details! (Hays Waldrop)

Phoebe Putney Health System Earns National Recognition for Infection Prevention Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (PPMH) has achieved a remarkable milestone as only the second hospital in the U.S. to receive Advanced Certification in Infection Prevention (AC-IP) from DNV, a leading risk management organization. Highlights: ???????????????????? ???? ?????????????? ????????????: PPMH CEO Deborah Angerami emphasized the hospital’s dedication to infection prevention and patient care quality. ???????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????: Advanced AI monitors patients for early signs of sepsis, driving a Sep-1 compliance rate above state and national averages. ?????????????????? ????????????????: Phoebe educates the public on sepsis symptoms and provides post-discharge support for sepsis patients. ???????????????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ??????????????????: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic led to robust processes for future health threats. ???????????????????? ??????????????????????: AC-IP recognizes ongoing excellence in infection prevention and control, requiring annual recertification. Congratulations to Phoebe and its incredible team for leading the way in safer healthcare! Thanks to Albany CEO for reporting on this outstanding achievement. https://lnkd.in/eAeVpd73

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to show my support for SAMMinistries by participating in their 24th Annual Empty Bowls event. This unique and inspiring event not only showcases the incredible talent of local artists but also raises awareness of homelessness and food insecurity. The experience reaffirmed the importance of the work we are doing at Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. to address food insecurity and other social determinants of health that impact our neighbors' ability to reach their fullest potential in health and life. I walked away from this event even more aware of the challenges so many in our community face. #FoodInsecurity #HealthEquity