The Veralon Views blog is an extension of our partnership with
leaders who are transforming the healthcare industry. Here,
we share expert perspectives from our nationally recognized senior consulting
team on issues that are key to the success of your organization.
By recategorizing procedures previously designated inpatient only, CMS is actively redirecting a significant number of cases to Hospital Outpatient Department (“HOPD”) and community-based ambulatory surgery center (“ASC”) settings. We have discussed the impact this will have on outpatient surgery, and strategies to prepare. This outpatient shift will also affect cardiac services, creating both risks and […]
The changes in Work RVU (WRVU) values contained in the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule have the potential for wholesale disruption to productivity-based physician compensation models. To date, the response has varied among health systems, but for the most part, due to pandemic distractions and the sheer complexity of the impact, organizations have kicked the […]
Rapid evolution in diagnostics and treatment for cancer care, innovation through genomics and predictive analytics, the continuing shift toward value-based care are hastening the migration of oncology from hospital settings to community-based centers. This raises the question: Is now the right time to invest in a community oncology center? The experiences of multiple health systems […]
So you’ve made it through the request for proposals (RFP) process, an ordeal that can amount to a great deal of (usually digital) paperwork and a series of check-the-box demands, with little, if any, one-to-one discussion with the issuer. Now comes the interesting part: discussions between the healthcare organization that is seeking a partner, and […]
Surgery has long been a key driver of hospital profitability. Effectively handling the new Medicare outpatient surgery rule[1] and subsequent care shift to outpatient settings is critical to long term financial success. This rule includes several important policy changes, most notably the elimination of the Inpatient Only List on a phased schedule through CY2024 when […]
Newly-minted physicians are in high demand. Depending on specialty, a new physician may be approached with offers by private practices, hospital-owned physician groups, urgent care centers, and/or large specialty staffing companies. With all this competition, how can you improve your ability to recruit the physicians you need and want? Click here to view our infographic […]
Board members of not-for-profit community hospitals face enormous pressure to protect their community’s access to care. Even when the economic reasons for hospital mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are compelling, the decision to cede control to another system cannot be made based on purchase price alone. It’s just one reason why not-for-profit board members must understand […]
Hospitals are increasingly challenged to meet their Emergency Department (ED) and trauma center coverage requirements. This challenge has been enhanced by the shortage of specialty physicians in certain markets, and the increasing number of physicians unwilling to provide the coverage, due to quality-of-life issues, reimbursement pressures, and increased malpractice liability related to emergency care. Therefore, […]
The search for a partner typically begins with a request for proposals (RFP). It’s a process designed to solicit interest from other organizations and narrow the field to two to three candidates that could prove to be a good fit. For health systems that respond to an RFP from an independent hospital, the goal is […]
Many independent physicians are financially challenged as the COVID-19 impact continues. Some may find employment or other alignment opportunities attractive now, even if they have not shown interest in the past. Health systems that work to develop relationships with these physicians now will be at an advantage.