Healthcare systems must urgently rethink their performance management philosophy to achieve sustainable improvements in patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial resilience.   Too many organizations still rely on fragmented metrics, siloed accountability, and reactive fixes rather than embedding performance management into their culture and strategy. Why Performance Management Matters Healthcare is uniquely complex: clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, wor

The Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, is reshaping the U.S. healthcare sector with sweeping cuts and new requirements that will reverberate across hospitals, insurers, and patients. Its impact is profound: millions are projected to lose coverage, reimbursement rates are shrinking, and administrative burdens are increasing for providers and enrollees alike. Key Provisions Affecting Healthcare Massive Federal Cuts:  The Act includes over $1 trilli

For healthcare organizations, a rating agency review is more than a financial checkpoint. It’s a defining moment that influences access to capital, borrowing costs, and long-term strategic flexibility. Whether you’re a $500M community hospital or a $3B integrated health system, preparation is critical. This is where fractional CFO support becomes a strategic advantage. Why Rating Agency Reviews Matter Capital Access:  Strong ratings, lower borrowing costs, and expanded financ

Fractional CFOs are uniquely positioned to help healthcare organizations thrive under value-based care by aligning financial discipline with patient outcomes, optimizing risk-sharing contracts, and driving sustainable margin growth. Value-based care (VBC) shifts reimbursement from volume to outcomes. Instead of being paid for every service delivered, providers are rewarded for quality, efficiency, and patient satisfaction . While this model improves care, it compresses margin

Healthcare organizations should fund capital projects that align with mission, financial sustainability, and strategic growth. The best practices involve structured evaluation, data-driven prioritization, and balancing risk with opportunity. 1. Anchor Decisions in Mission and Strategy Capital allocation must begin with the organization’s mission and long-term strategic goals .  Projects that directly enhance patient care, community health, or access to essential services shou

This article distills key insights and best practices gained from multiple successful performance improvement projects. The goal is to provide a roadmap that health systems facing comparable financial and operational difficulties can follow.  It serves as a practical guide to overcoming financial challenges and achieving a successful turnaround. Overview This prominent essential health system delivers compassionate, patient-focused care, drives innovative medical research, an

Introduction In an era of rising costs, shifting reimbursement models, and increasing regulatory complexity, hospitals face unprecedented pressure to protect and grow their financial margins. While clinical excellence remains paramount, financial sustainability hinges on the effectiveness of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), the engine that converts clinical activity into cash flow. Optimized RCM is no longer a back-office function; it is a strategic imperative. From accurate p

In a healthcare landscape characterized by increasing complexity and elevated patient demands, hospitals are confronted with significant pressure to enhance their operational performance. The growing focus on reimbursement cuts, cost reduction, and positive patient outcomes requires a multifaceted strategy. Five critical levers for improving operating margins stand out: 1) enhancing access to care, 2) increasing 340B prescription fill rates, 3) optimizing revenue cycle yield,