Hospitals and health systems: the best of times and the worst of times

Hospitals and health systems, whether general acute care hospitals or specialty-driven hospitals, are attempting to prosper in a unique time. This year, hospitals throughout the country will see increased reimbursement for hospital inpatient services, rather than decreased reimbursement. Many hospitals are examining a multitude of options for debt financing and a number of the nation's hospitals are in the process of renovating, expanding, or replacing their current hospitals. Further, more private equity and venture capital funds are pursuing hospital investments than seen in several years. Despite the positive signals stemming from many of the country's hospitals, this remains a time of tremendous uncertainty and risk in the hospital industry. This article discusses five strategic and development issues facing many hospitals and addresses how hospitals can prepare for the future should the current climate, supportive of growth, development, investment, and debt financing, change.