Hospitals in Maryland are operating with record low margins, according to a new report by the state Health Services Cost Review Commission. Operating profits at Maryland hospitals dropped 71 percent in fiscal 2013, which ended June 30. The 46 hospitals reported a total operating profit of $99.8 million, down from $344.2 million a year before. The total profit margin among the hospitals was 3.39 percent. "I don't think we've ever seen margins this low, ever," said Steve Ports, deputy director of policy and operations for the HSCRC, which sets hospital rates.
