In the week between the Christmas and New Year holidays, the U.S. Congress took bipartisan action to include the regulation of surprise medical bills in its massive government funding and pandemic stimulus bill. Similar legislation failed to survive the resistance of interest groups a year ago, but recent events have triggered widening support...

COVID-19 and the upcoming election have kept healthcare access and affordability at the center of the national debate for providers, payers (insurers), regulators and Congress. With all this pressure, 2021 may be the year for healthcare’s long-called-for transformation to a more patient centric operating model.

The findings of a just-published consumer survey confirm a disturbing financial condition affecting patients and the healthcare providers that serve them. Until improved systems for enhancing healthcare affordability are embraced, the financial security of patients and providers is threatened, whether consumers are insured, under-insured or...

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused historic financial disruption for healthcare providers and healthcare consumers, causing consumers and their legislative representatives to demand better transparency - now. As providers struggle to deal with multiple public health and operational crises of their own, a better approach to transparency promises...

Pummeled by unprecedented demand, unplanned expenses and a devastating disruption in ordinary business and revenue, hospitals and other healthcare providers are plotting a course toward the industry’s post-COVID-19 reality. To thrive in the “new normal”, providers will lean on technology to optimize care, support patients and their families and...

Events have converged to force healthcare in America to a tipping point. Stressed by overwhelming financial burdens, better consumer experiences in other sectors and with the support of regulators, patients are flexing their consumer might to force change and stimulate disruption. Traditional providers are taking steps to remain relevant and...

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and U.S. Congress among others are calling for improved transparency, better access and an end to aggressive healthcare collection tactics. Physicians are joining the chorus, with a sobering take on the health-related impacts of unaffordable...

Though the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ updated Star Ratings and proposed rules on hospital price and quality transparency may be clumsy, even ineffective, their intentions are clear. The largest source of revenue to hospitals in the U.S. is setting a new, much higher bar for the way hospitals and payers help patients find and...

Making it easy for patients to pay in advance or at point of service leads to a number of well-documented advantages for both hospitals and patients. But most hospitals lack the ability to engage with patients in a meaningful conversation about price, affordability and payment when it matters most.

With higher personal costs for healthcare care driving a dramatic shift in patient behavior, patient loyalty has never been more important - or more at risk. Hospitals and Health Systems are faced with a stark choice - Either improve revenues by delivering financial transparency, accessibility and technology, or watch market share and revenues...