Readers,

Welcome to the November issue of the National Hospital Flash Report. In this issue, we observe some positive gains in operating performance driven by modest gains in revenue, coupled with decreases in overall operating expenses. While positive overall, some of the details highlighted in the report include an increase in non-labor and supply expenses, contrasted by a decline in labor expenses.

This month’s report also includes predictions for next month, as hospitals and health systems nationwide anticipate an overall decrease in margin performance as the calendar year comes to a close.

The November Spotlight article is the first of a two-part series. This month’s article examines key stress factors identified in a recent survey of hospital and health system leaders nationwide, coupled with actual trends in volume and revenue performance metrics that are contributing to those pressures. Next month’s Spotlight will provide Part 2 of this series, and will examine additional factors impacting our healthcare organizations, and key strategies healthcare leaders can use to address and overcome obstacles to performance improvement.

All of us at Kaufman Hall would like express our gratitude for your readership, feedback, and partnership. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!