We’re pleased to welcome you to our Strategy Spotlight blog, a space where we intend to regularly share our insights—and those of our colleagues—on the evolving challenges and opportunities healthcare organizations are confronting.

Favorable execution levels for basis swaps can emerge quickly, and last for a short period of time. Health systems that have laid the groundwork for execution of a basis swap are positioned to promptly take advantage of what may be a short-lived opportunity.

A shift in meaning of the term “brat” during the summer of 2024 marks a fundamental change in the notion of how to communicate with the public. This shift offers lessons that often contradict some of our deepest instincts about how to convey a message.

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.

In an increasingly competitive environment, colleges and universities must define and assert where they have a competitive advantage and ensure that they are reaching their full market of potential enrollees. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to enhance market essentiality.

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.

As ambulatory services grow, so does competition in the area of ambulatory surgery center (ASC) management services. Health systems have an ever-expanding range of potential partners that are offering increasingly flexible alignment structures.

A question often asked by health system leaders is what will be required for future success. Responses from some of Kaufman Hall’s smartest consultants are featured in this new blog from Ken Kaufman. One common element: The need to make and stick with really hard decisions.

CMS releases results from the first round of Medicare Drug Price Negotiations, Steward finds a buyer for its physician group, and employers are using price transparency data in their suits against Aetna.

In this week’s graphic, we highlight nearly 30 years of historical data from Kaufman Hall and the American Hospital Association to provide a broader perspective on hospital operating margins.

In a recent Becker’s Healthcare Podcast episode, Ken Kaufman, joined Scott Becker to discuss critical trends in healthcare finance, the impact of COVID-19 on hospital operations, and the challenges of consolidation and staffing in the healthcare industry.

CVS to roll out co-located Oak Street Health clinics amid reduced profit outlook, CMS finalizes inpatient payment rule that includes new mandatory bundled payment model, and an appeals court gives providers another win in No Surprises Act litigation.