After years of the federal government encouraging hospitals to grow, that message has changed to instead stress efficiency, meaning hospitals now have to start cutting operating costs that have risen in recent years. That's why hospital systems, such as Franciscan Alliance, Indiana University Health and St. Vincent Health, all plan to make large spending cuts. The federal government now wants hospitals to provide quality care to patients but for a lower price. That means making do with fewer employees, reducing supply and equipment costs and making sure patients don't have unnecessary tests or get readmitted for the same condition.
