Hospitals - Research and Data from KFF

Hospital Margins Rebounded in 2023, But Rural Hospitals and Those With High Medicaid Shares Were Struggling More Than Others

Dec 18, 2024

Issue Brief

This data note examines trends in hospital margins from 2018 through 2023 and how operating margins varied across different types of hospitals in 2023. It shows the industry overall experienced a rebound in 2023 after margins fell sharply the previous year, though some hospitals – particularly those in rural areas and those who see many Medicaid patients – continue to struggle.

Nearly Half of Metro Areas Have Only One or Two Hospitals or Health Systems Providing Inpatient Care

Oct 1, 2024

News Release

Nearly half (47%) of metropolitan areas across the country had only one or two hospitals or health systems providing general inpatient hospital care in 2022, a new KFF analysis finds.The analysis examines the extent of competition among hospitals amid a wave of hospital consolidation that has drawn the attention of state and federal regulators. About one in five (19%) metropolitan statistical areas have only one hospital or health system providing hospital care, and more than…

Potential Impacts of New Requirements in Florida and Texas for Hospitals to Request Patient Immigration Status

Aug 26, 2024

Issue Brief

This brief examines the potential impacts of Florida and Texas' requirements for hospitals to collect patient immigration status information on immigrant families and the states’ workforces and economies.

What are the Trends in Health Utilization and Spending in Early 2024?

Aug 20, 2024

Issue Brief

Recent trends in healthcare utilization and spending suggest that most spending on health services exceeds pre-pandemic levels and health costs are growing at a faster rate than in recent years. However, utilization of care has been uneven by setting and market.

The Growing Role of Foreign-Educated Nurses in U.S. Hospitals and Implications of Visa Restrictions

Jul 10, 2024

Policy Watch

KFF analysis of data from the American Hospital Association (AHA) Annual Survey shows that the overall share of hospitals reporting hiring foreign-educated RNs has nearly doubled between 2010 and 2022, and a growing share of hospitals report hiring an increasing number of foreign-educated RNs to fill vacancies over time.

Five Things to Know About Medicare Site-Neutral Payment Reforms

Jun 14, 2024

Issue Brief

This brief examines key facts around proposals to align Medicare payments for outpatient services across care settings, otherwise known as “site-neutral payment reforms.”

Ten Things to Know About Consolidation in Health Care Provider Markets

Apr 19, 2024

News Release

Mergers and acquisitions involving hospitals and other health care providers are drawing attention from federal and state regulators, including the Federal Trade Commission, and policymakers amid concerns that such consolidations can reduce competition and contribute to the high costs of health care. A new KFF brief examines and summarizes the evidence about consolidation among health care providers as more community hospitals become part of a larger system, and more physicians are in practices owned by…

Ten Things to Know About Consolidation in Health Care Provider Markets

Apr 19, 2024

Issue Brief

As policymakers and regulators pay more attention to consolidation in health care provider markets, this brief examines and summarizes the evidence about consolidation, including recent trends, the impact on prices and quality, and proposals to address consolidation and increase competition.

Gaps in Data About Hospital and Health System Finances Limit Transparency for Policymakers and Patients

Mar 22, 2024

Issue Brief

This brief describes gaps in data about hospital and health system finances and business practices that limit transparency for policymakers, researchers, and consumers. It examines data issues involving finances, debt collection practices, charity care, prices, ownership, and the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

What resources are available for privately insured patients who get surprise balance bills?

Mar 19, 2024

Issue Brief

Most patients do not know about the new surprise billing protections and likely also do not know of resources available to seek recourse for incorrect medical bills. This brief provides resources to privately insured patients who receive surprise balance bills and also summarizes relevant policies and how they apply to balance billing.

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