As hospitals and health systems intensify their financial planning efforts, revisiting and refining the forecasting techniques and tools that guide their decisions has become paramount.

This month’s data show general stability, with continued growth in outpatient revenue and expense reductions on a volume-adjusted basis.

In the third quarter of this year, the median investment/subsidy per physician was $304,312—rising above $300,000 for the first time. Other expense metrics such as the total direct expense per provider FTE and labor as a percentage of total expenses increased.

Though most indicators were down, hospital performance remained relatively stable overall, according to September data. Both inpatient revenue and average lengths of stay increased.

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.

As organizations increasingly adopt a service line planning model, integrated strategic financial planning is more critical than ever.

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 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.

Health systems are confronting a new normal of shrinking revenue and rising labor costs. In the second quarter of 2024, increased labor expenses accounted for 83.9% of total expenses. Additionally, the median investment/subsidy per provider rose 3% since Q2 2023.

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.