The Musculoskeletal Crisis: Costly, Complex, and Persistent

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions account for nearly $1 in every $6 spent on healthcare in the United States. Beyond the staggering costs, these conditions profoundly impact people’s daily lives

Early cancer detection through advanced imaging remains a cornerstone of breast cancer care. Identifying high-risk patients is crucial for implementing personalized screening protocols that can significantly improve early detection rates and allow for interventions that may reduce risk. Yet, concerning gaps persist in our healthcare system

As hospitals and health systems navigate the rising costs of care, aging infrastructure, and increasingly urgent sustainability goals, one company is helping them meet these challenges head-on. Bernhard, a trusted name in energy infrastructure for more than a century, has officially rebranded as ENFRA. 

AI and machine learning are transforming healthcare at a breakneck pace—but progress isn’t all smooth sailing. As systems get smarter, the need for a smarter workforce grows too. According to a recent AHIMA survey, 75% of respondents say upskilling is essential just to keep up with the accelerated use of AI and other advanced technologies.

In today’s complex benefits landscape, employers face mounting challenges in managing healthcare costs, designing effective plans, and engaging employees. With healthcare costs projected to rise 8% in 2025—the highest increase in over a decade

How do you envision AI changing the day-to-day reality for healthcare providers and the broader care delivery system?

AI, when providing actionable intelligence to enhance human expertise rather than replace it, has the potential to empower our clinicians and the entire healthcare industry. It is also poised to transform the daily experience of frontline healthcare workers by addressing one of the industry’s most pressing issues: cognitive overload.

Nurses are the cornerstone of patient care, but too often, their time is consumed by documentation. Hunt Regional Medical Center (HRMC) in Greenville TX found a promising solution to ease nurse workload: wearable technology.

According to the recent Gartner report on “How Clinical Data Improves US Healthcare Payer Interoperability,” health plan leaders are counting on the integration of clinical data “locked in provider’s electronic health records” to enable a host of needed improvements. Cited use cases include advances in clinical quality, care continuity, utilization management, and risk adjustment optimization. 

Since the implementation of the No Surprises Act (NSA) in January 2022, out-of-network (OON) reimbursement has become a complex and resource-heavy challenge for hospital and health system revenue cycle leaders. Although designed to shield patients from unexpected medical bills, the legislation has placed continuous financial pressure on hospitals and health systems, leading to delayed payments, operational burdens, and strained resources.

AI is dominating healthcare conversations, promising to revolutionize operations — including revenue cycle management. But the hard truth, according to some RCM experts, is that most AI-driven RCM solutions will fail. The reason: AI without deep operational expertise doesn’t work in the real world.

Building an ASC from the ground up is no simple task. Stryker has partnered to bring hundreds of ASCs’ visions to life and understands the complexity of building and launching a new facility. Each project is unique, but there are similar milestones that every facility must go through along their journey.  

Amidst inflation, rising costs of providing care, and staffing shortages, the role of Physician Advisors (PAs) is poised to become increasingly critical.

That’s because Physician Advisors play a vital role in healthcare organizations, serving as the link between two areas, clinical practice and administrative decision-making.

According to the recent Gartner report on “How Clinical Data Improves US Healthcare Payer Interoperability,” health plan leaders are counting on the integration of clinical data “locked in provider’s electronic health records” to enable a host of needed improvements. Cited use cases include advances in clinical quality, care continuity, utilization management, and risk adjustment optimization. 

In today’s complex healthcare environment, patient loyalty is no longer guaranteed by quality care alone. Rising out-of-pocket costs, confusing billing statements, and a lack of transparency are pushing patients to seek alternative providers that offer a better patient payment experience.

New era of anti-corruption enforcement

The second Trump administration has issued executive orders (EO) to quickly to shift enforcement priorities, including anti-bribery and anti-corruption (ABAC) laws.

In a recent EO, President Trump paused Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement for a 180-day period.

In 2024, Realty Trust Group (RTG) helped healthcare systems save over $37 million through strategic real estate management. As financial pressures mount, health systems can no longer afford to view real estate as just a cost center—it must be a core part of their financial strategy.

ASCs often seek Joint Commission[1] accreditation to demonstrate their commitment to patient safety and quality care. Earning ambulatory care accreditation builds credibility among patients, payers and network providers and reinforces a culture where continuous quality improvement of day-to-day operations is a top priority.

The convergence of two troubling trends creates one serious situation for providers, payers and consumers: More people need healthcare at the same time fewer professionals enter or stay in healthcare. Meeting this challenge takes time. But good health can’t wait. Many are looking to AI to help – but how do you distinguish the hype vs the reality?

SurGenTec announced that OsteoFlo HydroFiber, its synthetic bone graft solution equivalent to autograft, is now being used in spinal surgeries following FDA 510(k) clearance. The milestone marks an advancement in bone graft technology, as OsteoFlo HydroFiber is recognized as a stand-alone solution equivalent to autograft for spine surgeries, including use in interbody fusion cages, disc spaces and posterolateral fusions.

Operational efficiency is paramount to the success and sustainability of ambulatory surgery centers. However, uncertainty and rising costs in the supply chain continue to threaten profitability. Through technology, process optimization, and strategic partnerships, ASCs can simplify the procurement process, streamline workflows, and reduce operational costs.