As a critical member of a hospital or a healthcare practice, you want – and need – to stay up-to-date with current events, trends and industry buzz. Doing so will help you stay ahead in the industry, and grant you the ability to adapt and be proactive in case any changes need to be made.
At Clark Schaefer Hackett, we understand the common problems and trials you face as a part of the healthcare industry, from crafting perfect physician compensation programs, managing revenue and keeping expenses in order to dealing with a merger. Healthcare as a whole relies heavily on regulations, the economy and others within the industry. A lack of knowledge about what is going on around you could prove to be disastrous if you ever decided to alter an aspect of your organization.
In order to help you avoid any potential problems, we’ve gathered some of the latest industry buzz and updates to make sure you are on top of the events taking place in the healthcare industry.
New campaign launched in Ohio
Across the country, physicians have been figuring out new ways to combat high infant mortality rates. In Ohio, a new campaign has recently been launched to further help healthcare organizations and parents everywhere keep their children safe.
The initiative – called “Safe Sleep is Good4Baby” – was created by the Ohio Hospital Association, and was rolled out in April. The plan’s goal is to reduce the infant mortality rate by 5 percent each year between 2014 and 2016.
“Although many organizations have been working tirelessly to improve the statewide rate, Ohio continues to fall behind nationally,” said OHA president and CEO Mike Abrams. “As health care leaders in our communities, hospitals can help address this issue in a coordinated and targeted way.”
Through the program, state hospitals will have the support needed to provide counseling, advocacy and education to parents regarding safe sleep environments and practices. Overall, OHA intends to align all efforts to improve results across Ohio.
Rural hospitals encounter problems
While major cities are often considered the premier healthcare centers in the U.S., rural hospitals in more remote areas have long provided vital services to their communities. Now, however, an unfortunate amount of organizations are closing.
In an article for the National Rural Health Association blog, Alan Morgan wrote that more rural hospitals closed in the past year than the total closings from the last 15 years combined. When one shuts its doors, the community loses its clinics, ambulances, home healthcare and many other crucial services. This is likely caused by changes made by the Affordable Care Act, reductions to Medicare and Medicaid, and population growth and decline.
According to Morgan, any positive changes to prevent any more closings would require specific legislation from lawmakers in Washington, D.C. Without that, it is likely that this trend will continue for the foreseeable future.
Physicians important part of economy
Ohio’s economy wouldn’t be as robust as it is without the help of local physicians and members of healthcare practices. This is based on a study from the American Medical Association, released in the middle of April, as reported by the Ohio State Medical Association.
“When we think of physicians, we usually think of them as a trusted clinician with a caring hand that watches over us when we’re sick,” said Tim Maglione, senior director of government affairs for OSMA. “But as this report quantifies, many physicians’ practices are also small businesses that create jobs, purchase goods and services, and support local and state economies.”
Based on the study, Ohio physicians created more than $43 billion in sales revenue for the state in 2012, and also provided $1.9 billion in local and state tax proceeds, OSMA noted. Maglione added that an environment that attracts new physicians will have the added bonus of improving Ohio’s overall economy. A strong healthcare system in the state can support schools, housing and other public services in the community.
Given these new programs and trends emerging in the healthcare industry, you may be inspired to make changes to your organization. However, any action is easier with the help of expert advisors. At Clark Schaefer Hackett, we have professionals who can offer a customized solution to fit your specific situation.
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