Assessing the Cost of Healthcare: AHA Issues Report

​There's no doubt about it: Nicholas Cage is one of America's finest actors. In fact, he is so good at his craft that he has been among Hollywood's highest-paid personalities, amassing at one point $150 million in acting fees. That's quite a chunk of change. However, the Academy Award winner lost much of his fortune due to questionable spending habits. It wasn't like his National Treasure was Gone in Sixty Seconds, but over a period of time he eventually found himself broke and in trouble with the IRS. What could have possibly happened? Some suggest it was his purchase of the dinosaur bones or the 50 vehicles or the 15 estates and two castles, or any number of exotic acquisitions with which he has been associated over the years. Perhaps it would have helped to take an inventory of his balance sheet from time to time. 

It's a good idea, you know. We should all make time, on a periodic basis, to take stock of where we are from a financial standpoint. That goes for hospitals, as well; and, to that end, one organization is leading the way. Last month, the American Hospital Association (AHA) produced a report that sought to gauge the costs generally incurred by America's hospitals and health systems. The report, released late last month, addressed several drivers of hospital spending, which we will summarize in today's podcast. Take a listen!