Ken Krizner

He is a freelance writer based in Cleveland

Physicians have historically been lacking in collecting on bad debt, and now the cost of tracking it down might not be worth it

Data mining and predictive modeling can get us over the electronic data hump until EMRs reach critical mass

Critical information doesn't follow an elderly patient from one point of care to the next. CMS is looking at the issues via a pilot project will examine readmission rates of elderly patients to hospitals, especially within 30 days, from the same diagnosis.

Each year, nonprofits must review their rate strategies in the context of maintaining financial viability. To achieve sustainability goals, some must raise rates to cover costs of patient care, for example.

The intensive care unit (ICU) is, in many ways, the most significant section of a hospital, because it is where life-threatening issues occur almost daily. The ICU is the one area where most hospitals don't employ specialists—board-certified intensivists with expertise and training in critical care medicine.

Technology has been a part of the hospital landscape for decades, and hospitals have now begun to implement digital technology to improve communications between physician and nurses, lessen the likelihood of medication errors, and improve the quality of care, leading to better patient outcomes. Some are investing as much as 25% of their budgets to become digital.

A never event (also known as a serious reportable adverse event) is an error in medical care that is clearly identifiable, preventable and serious in its consequences for patients, according to the National Quality Forum (NQF).

More than 650 hospitals have pledged to adopt the Leapfrog Group's policy on "never events"—rare medical errors that should never happen to a patient.

Technologies and wireless systems has vastly improved hospital communication, putting critical information in the hands of those caring for patients immediately.