Hospitals crying poor? Take a closer look at the data

Article Abstract:

Hospitals are frequently more profitable than is indicated by their operating margin, which measures profit derived from patient-care services. Since 1991, donations and contributions have been figured into hospital operating margins, making it difficult to tell how well a hospital is performing as a business. The new rule also makes it impossible to compare a hospital's performance over time. By many other financial criteria, hospitals have steadily improved since the late 1980s.

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Practices sell, hospitals lose

Article Abstract:

Most physician practice purchases did not help hospitals boost their profitability and increase their patient referrals. Hospitals' financial losses are mainly due to lack of strategic planning in management of acquired physician practices and low productivity incentives for physicians. Hospitals need to develop an efficient primary care base and properly integrate different physician practices with their inpatient services to successfully compete in the managed care market.

Offices & clinics of medical doctors, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Analysis, Health services administration, Physician services utilization

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Hospitals profit on Medicare

Article Abstract:

Hospital earned an average of 3.4% from Medicare work 3.4% in 1994, although they lost money on Medicare in previous years. Strict management of costs enabled hospitals to remain afloat in spite of falling occupancy. Teaching hospitals reported profits of 15.5% on government-supported work. For-profit hospitals, which carefully monitor costs, earned 8.5% on Medicare in 1994. Questions are raised about whether hospitals' cutting corners will result in deficient medical care.

Administration of Public Health Programs, Health Care Services, Medical care, Medicare, Hospitals, Proprietary, Proprietary hospitals

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