Cindy A. Segar-Miller, LLC’s Post

Call us before you need us. By now many have seen the recent Beckers article which states the grim realities facing rural hospitals across the country. You plan to fail or plan to succeed. Let's have a virtual cup of coffee. https://lnkd.in/eWJKW8eW More than 700 rural U.S. hospitals are at risk of closure due to financial problems, with more than half of those hospitals at immediate risk of closure.  The latest analysis from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, based on CMS's July 2024 hospital financial information, reveals the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals in two categories: risk of closure and immediate risk of closure. In the first category, nearly every state has hospitals at risk of closure, measured by financial reserves that can cover losses on patient services for only six to seven years. In over half the states, 25% or more of rural hospitals face this risk, with nine states having a majority of their rural hospitals in jeopardy. The report also analyzes hospitals facing immediate threat of closure meaning financial reserves could offset losses on patient services for two to three years at most. Currently, 360 rural hospitals are at immediate risk of shutting down due to severe financial difficulties. "The primary reason hundreds of rural hospitals are at risk of closing is that private insurance plans are paying them less than what it costs to deliver services to patients," CHQPR notes in its report, identifying losses on private insurance patients as the biggest cause of overall financial losses. "Most 'solutions' for rural hospitals have focused on increasing Medicare or Medicaid payments or expanding Medicaid eligibility due to a mistaken belief that most rural patients are insured by Medicare and Medicaid or are uninsured," according to the CHQPR report. "In reality, about half of the services at the average rural hospital are delivered to patients with private insurance (both employer-sponsored insurance and Medicare Advantage plans). In most cases, the amounts these private plans pay, not Medicare or Medicaid payments, determine whether a rural hospital loses money." To preserve and enhance essential hospital services in rural areas, CHQPR recommends that small rural hospitals receive Standby Capacity Payments from both private and public payers. These payments would cover the hospital's fixed costs for maintaining essential services, ensuring that rural communities continue to have access to necessary healthcare. #ruralhospitalclosures

The high-stakes world of healthcare demands precision and expertise. In critical situations, the guidance of an experienced healthcare consultant is indispensable. Here are pivotal reasons why engaging a seasoned consultant is crucial: - **Navigating Complex Regulations:** Compliance with stringent laws and regulations is vital for patient safety and organizational integrity in the highly regulated healthcare industry. - **Enhancing Patient Care:** Quality care in healthcare is paramount, especially when it can be a matter of life and death. - **Financial Stability and Efficiency:** High-stakes situations often bring financial pressures, emphasizing the need for stability and efficiency. - **Strategic Planning and Decision Making:** Swift decision-making and strategic planning are imperative during critical times, where consultants offer valuable insights. - **Risk Management:** Managing increased risks effectively, whether in a crisis or operational change, is crucial for organizational resilience. - **Technological Integration:** Leveraging technology is essential in modern healthcare, and experienced consultants aid in its effective integration. - **Crisis Management:** During crises, consultants provide objective perspectives and proven crisis management skills, offering crucial guidance. In conclusion, the expertise of experienced healthcare consultants is unparalleled in navigating regulations, enhancing care, ensuring financial stability, strategic planning, risk management, technology integration, and crisis management. Their knowledge is not just an investment but a critical step towards organizational success and sustainability in challenging times. [email protected] we are here to help. hashtag #HealthcareConsulting hashtag #HighStakesHealthcare hashtag #ExpertiseInHealthcare

We take our client feedback seriously. We strive to provide the highest quality; value added services and often are asked to take on additional scopes of work based on our results. Received this week from a VP of Communication and Marketing. "So happy you will be continuing with us! Your impact has been phenomenal! We still have challenges, and we need your expertise. Looking forward to continuing to work with you! " #dogoodwork #clientfeedback #impact #healthcareexpertise

Client feedback matters....... At Cindy A Segar-Miller LLC we strive to provide our customers an exceptional experience. We enjoy receiving feedback so that we can exceed your expectations. Recently received from a System Director of Care Coordination, (Catholic health care organization includes hospitals, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living residences, and community-based health and elder care organizations form a regional health care delivery network covering New England and part of Pennsylvania.) FEEDBACK I have to say that the team is doing such a great job on so many fronts. It is so refreshing to see after almost 4 years of not seeing much traction in so many areas. You have raised the bar for the hospital and folks have done remarkably well in rising to the many challenges you have placed in front of them. I am glad I have been able to see this change as it is unlike what I've seen elsewhere, and I've seen a lot of leadership changes in many organizations trying to dig themselves out of a hole. You were the right consulting firm for this job! #recommendation #results #improvement #coaching #consulting #team #raisethebar