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Hospital financial performance remained relatively stable during the month of August, and despite higher patient volume, revenue and expenses declined on a volume-adjusted basis.

Hospital financial performance remains strong this year, with continued stabilization in the month of July. Outpatient revenue and average lengths of stay showed signs of improvement.

Midway through 2024, we are seeing a sustained trend of stronger performance. Revenue and expense trends and length of stay will be indicators for the months ahead, but for now, good planning and tough decisions are translating into better results.

The latest Kaufman Hall National Hospital Flash Report shows that the Calendar Year to Date Operating Margin Index for hospitals was 4.1% in June.

Hospital financial performance remained relatively unchanged during the month of May, and the rate of change slowed for margins and other key performance indicators, which reflects stabilization.

Hospital financial performance improved in April relative to both March and the same time frame last year, though a closer examination of the data shows a greater difference in performance at the hospital level.

Margins and volumes declined slightly in March, which may signal more challenges ahead. Hospital outpatient revenue also fell 5%, reflecting the competitive challenges of providing outpatient care.

Hospital financials continue to reflect a strong start to 2024, though the aftermath of the Change Healthcare cyberattack and continued competition from industry disrupters may test financial performance in coming months.

Hospital financials proved strong in January compared to previous years, though margins declined slightly from the previous month.

A deeper dive into the numbers behind the numbers in Kaufman Hall’s National Hospital Flash Report generates a nuanced story, with results that are relevant to setting long-term social health policy agenda and to the strategic management of complex provider organizations.

Following hospitals’ worst financial year since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2023 presented a more promising trend for hospitals and health systems with general improvement across operational and financial measures.

Hospital performance in November signals continued stabilization and growth as operating margins improve. The median Kaufman Hall Calendar Year-To-Date Operating Margin Index reflecting actual margins was 2.0% in November.