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Hospital performance in October reflects continued stabilization with margins above pandemic levels and volumes holding steady. The median Kaufman Hall Calendar Year-To-Date Operating Margin Index reflecting actual margins was 1.2% in October.

While hospitals’ overall performance declined slightly in September compared to the previous month, the median Kaufman Hall Calendar Year-To-Date Operating Margin Index reflecting actual margins was 1.4% in September.

Physicians are operating at record-high levels of productivity compared to recent years but receiving less pay per unit of work. The median investment/subsidy per provider continues to increase, but the pace is slowing with only a 1% change from Q3 2022 to Q3 2023.

While hospital operating margins remain below historical levels, overall conditions have stabilized in 2023. The median Kaufman Hall Calendar Year-To-Date Operating Margin Index reflecting actual margins was 1.1% in August.

Hospitals’ financial performance worsened in July as volumes fell, but margins remain improved from 2022. The median Kaufman Hall Calendar Year-To-Date Operating Margin Index reflecting actual margins was 1.3% in July.

Physician and provider productivity is on the rise as patients increasingly seek care in ambulatory settings. However, increased revenue and productivity in Q2 was not enough to offset rising expenses as the median investment/subsidy per provider still rose 5% year-over-year to $224,243.

Most hospitals underperformed in June as high expenses and economic pressures persist. As margins continue to stabilize on the surface, the gap between high-performing hospitals and those struggling in this new “new normal” is widening.

Hospital finances showed signs of stabilizing in May amid slightly improving operating margins, declining expenses and notable increases in outpatient visits.

Last year was the worst financial year for hospitals and health systems since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest data from Kaufman Hall.

America's providers are more productive and seeing more patients than ever—particularly in primary care settings—resulting in an increase in revenue in the last quarter of 2022. However, increased expenses outweighed improved revenue.

Hospitals experienced a slight increase in operating margins in November 2022—though margins remained negative for 2022 to date—according to the latest National Hospital Flash Report from Kaufman Hall.

Just a few months remain in what is shaping up to be one of the worst financial years on record for hospitals. Expense pressures—particularly with the cost of labor—outpaced revenues...