Literature Review

More AI, GUIDE implementation, market recovery in the cards for LTC providers this year: experts McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Zee Johnson; 1/22/25 Implementation and expansion of artificial intelligence may be the most powerful trend facing long-term care providers in 2025, according to a panel of experts who identified seven key topics providers should be aware of this year. ... An HDG whitepaper [Health Dimensions Group] found that 2025 will bring more progress in the areas of predictive analytics, or using data to predict falls; hospitalizations and other significant medical events; improved care integration; and generative AI. [Key areas described include:]

Navigate a smooth transition from hospital to home care Health Medicine Network; 1/17/25 When discharged from hospital, a high proportion of people face emotions such as anxiety and fear, which can make the transition from hospital care to safe and appropriate home care difficult. But it doesn’t have to feel that way if you develop an effective strategy before you leave the hospital. ... 

Allevant Solutions shares over 10 years of insights into rural post-acute care patient outcomes PR Newswire, Mechanicsburg, PA; by Allevant Solutions, LLC; 1/13/25 Allevant Solutions, LLC shared key insights from its experience over a 10-year period showing that partnerships between larger acute care hospitals and rural critical access hospitals (CAHs) for post-acute care benefit patients, health care teams and hospitals. The aggregate, de-identified data reflects patient outcomes from over 100 CAHs across 24 states, specifically around the utilization of the swing bed concept – which Allevant calls Transitional Care.  A swing bed is the federal government's term for a patient bed in a small, rural critical access hospital that can be used for acute or post-acute care after a hospital stay.  Rural patients who have to leave their community for higher levels of care often have difficulty finding high-quality, continuing care when they are ready to return. 

Building a smarter long-term care system in New York The National Law Review; by Adam Herbst of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP - Healthcare Law Blog; 1/10/25 New York State has a long-standing commitment to supporting its most vulnerable populations through Medicaid-funded services for older adults and those requiring long-term care. However, rising costs and an increasingly complex healthcare landscape have created challenges that demand innovative solutions.  ... The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offers a clear path forward. This model has consistently demonstrated its ability to reduce healthcare costs while enhancing patient outcomes by integrating medical, social, and behavioral health services under one umbrella. ... Despite these clear benefits, New York has not approved a new PACE program since 2011, leaving this proven model underutilized in the state.

UnitedHealth named world's largest insurer for 10th straight yearBecker's Payer Issues; by Jakob Emerson; 1/3/25UnitedHealth Group is the world's largest insurer by net premiums written for a 10th year in a row, according to AM Best's annual ranking published Jan. 2. In 2025, UnitedHealth expects revenues of up to $455 billion and adjusted net earnings of $29.50 to $30.00 per share. Top 10 insurers ranked by 2023 NPW:

'Never waste a good crisis': The keys behind a Louisiana system's financial comebackBecker's Hospital CFO Report; by Alan Condon; 12/27/24Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, a 10-hospital system headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., achieved a $241 million turnaround in fiscal year 2024 under the leadership of CFO Mike Gleason, who told Becker's the feat was "a total team effort." By reimagining operational strategies, shifting from a holding company to an operating company model, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, the 10-hospital system not only stabilized its finances but positioned itself for sustained growth. Mr. Gleason joined the Becker's Healthcare podcast to discuss the strategies that turned a financial crisis into an opportunity for sustainable growth and strengthened the health system's ability to reinvest in its people and future.

Seven trends in senior living that will define 2025 and beyond McKnights Senior Living; by Michele Hollerand, PhD, MBA; 1/6/25 Senior living is in the midst of a major transformation, and seven major trends have emerged as key drivers of the strategic plans adopted by boards across the country. Those trends will shape the way organizations position themselves for the future to capture a new customer base in 2025 and beyond.

Escambia County Fire Rescue grants a hospice wish to a 17-year-old Cantonment resident Pensacola News Journal; by Tony Giberson; 1/6/25Escambia County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Paul Williams and Lt. Darren Snipes visit with 17-year-old hospice patient Dalton Harvey and his family in the Cantonment area on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. During the visit, the ECFR presented Dalton with gifts, including a real firefighter's helmet.

Kaiser's Habitat Health opens first PACE center Modern Healthcare; by Diane Eastabrook; 1/2/25 Habitat Health opened Thursday its first integrated healthcare program for older adults in Sacramento, California, less than 10 months after Kaiser Permanente and Town Hall Partners launched the company. ... Habitat Health estimates approximately 6,500 older adults in the Sacramento area are eligible for the program. Oglevee said the program is targeting potential participants through Kaiser Permanente’s integrated health system and insurance plans.

The next health system C-suite obsessionBecker's Hospital Review; by Laura Dyrda; 12/30/24 Health system executives spent the last few years building financial stability after the pandemic and adjusting to workforce shifts. Those areas will remain important in 2025, but a new obsession for C-suite executives is emerging. Or, more accurately, re-emerging. Solving capacity issues and becoming more efficient with patient throughput is a top priority for next year, several CEOs and top health system executives recently told Becker's. Many are operating at or near capacity, especially with workforce challenges persisting, and leadership teams are looking for immediate solutions. ... A recent survey from Vizient shows 52.8% of hospital and health system leaders see patient access, throughput and capacity as top focus areas for 2025. Volumes are still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Kaufman Hall's "National Hospital Flash Report," and while growth has slowed this year, leaders are still contending with big capacity issues.

‘Change in air’ for senior living and care industry in 2025 McKnights Senior Living; by Kimberly Bonvissuto; 12/20/24 “Change is in the air” heading into 2025 for the senior living and care industry, particularly evidenced in regulatory shifts, dementia care, technology expansion and market rebounds, according to the Health Dimensions Group’s annual white paper outlining key issues expected to affect providers in the future.

What hospital CEOs are reading to prepare for the futureBecker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 12/18/24Hospital and health system CEOs must think strategically to prepare their organization for success over the long term. Becker's regular series of conversations with CEOs of the nation's health systems poses a variety of questions, including what leaders are reading to prepare for the next three to 10 years. Here are answers collected this year.

25 Hospital closures in 2024 Becker's Hospital CFO Report; by Madeline Ashley; updated 12/27/24, 3:06 pm CT Many hospitals and emergency departments have been forced to close in 2024 due to circumstances like high costs and shifts in care needs. Becker's has reported on 25 hospital and emergency department closures in 2024. [Click on the title's link to view the list.]