Just Got Word

In 2008, New York City hospitals spent $3 billion more on care than they took in. And, they operated at an average of a 6% loss versus the national average of operating at a 4% profit. One of the little discussed consequences of federal health reform and its related significant reductions in Medicare reimbursement will be the absence of any margin that can be used for capital investment. Speakers included: - Dr. Ralph de la Torre, President & CEO, Caritas Christi Health Care (recent name change to Steward Health Care)-- not a big fan of pharma companies; quite proud of himself for his work in Massachusetts, which has become, by default, the pilot for the National 'universal care' model advanced through the Health Care Reform Act. - Stephen Berger, Chairman, Odyssey Investment Partners and Chairman, Commission on Healthcare Facilities in the 21st Century -- made a bunch of recommendations to the governor about 5 years ago as to which hospitals should be closed and whic

tPF continues to monitor advances in technology in the US health care delivery system. In fact, Rich Linderman of tPF is currently attending the 11th annual HIMSS (Health Information and Management Systems Society) meeting in Orlando, Florida. Attended by 28,000 health care professionals, this program tracks new and growing areas in health care information technology that could bring the greatest value to the overall health care community. "HIMSS11" offers learning and networking opportunities in the most high-growth or high-demand sectors. In addition, the exhibit floor is showcasing innovative products and service solutions in the health care industry. We look forward to receiving information about the conference from Rich, and, more importantly, sharing cutting-edge technology information with our growing client base.

To remain at the cutting edge, you have to be fully aware of current situations and emerging trends. tPF remains committed to understanding/rectifying the issue of health care delivery in the US; accordingly, we will be attending the "New York City Health Care Crisis" at the Harvard Club on February 22, 2011. Sponsored by Deloitte, Proskauer, Kramer Levin, Biopharm Insights and the Executive Council, the following questions will be asked (and hopefully answered): - What is driving the crisis? - Are hospitals really on the edge? - What can be done to stem the crisis? - What are best practices that can be created? - How do insurers pay differently so those that do better are able to be successful? - Are payers doing enough to change the way we pay? - Should patients have freedom of choice to go wherever they want? - Should they be limited? - As care changes, do we need as many hospitals? Stay tuned for timely information.

We're conducting extensive research into the effective use of ACOs (Accountable Care Organizations)and have come away with some key conclusions: -- BE PART OF THE SOLUTION: ACOs, available in 2012, are presented as a solution to the mounting cost of Medicare and Medicaid; the US government is attempting to stem to rising tide of such outlays. -- A BALANCING ACT: ACOs are in effect a new way of organizing patient care around set populations ("beneficiaries") who theoretically will receive more community-based, integrated care under the reward provisions of the program (which are allegedly invisible to the beneficiaries). But the rewards won't be paid unless monetary targets are met, so this whole delicate balancing act of quality performance and patient care cutbacks will play out under a new scenario. -- BE IN IT TO WIN IT: For a hospital or physician group, sitting on the sidelines is not a viable option as patient populations will migrate with primary care