U.S. hospitals have held onto millions of dollars in warranty credits from medical manufacturers that should have been sent to Medicare, according to the latest audit of federal payments related to recalled and defective heart devices.
A new day has arrived where consumers can take charge of their healthcare-- demanding greater transparency and information access. As they bear more of the cost burden, patients look to health plans to be their advocates and providers to be their partners.
The prevailing notion that a catheter-associated urinary tract infection costs about $1,000 is 'an underestimate and an oversimplification,' say two researchers. Some CAUTIs cost $10,000 or more.
The impact of self-pay is a burden for hospitals already struggling to reduce costs and increase revenue. Collecting past-due medical debts is necessary, but a proactive formula of processes, technology, and patient advocacy can help.
With the healthcare industry landscape so uncertain, CFOs are feeling pressure to 'advise on the financial impact every decision an organization makes.'
