Healthcare is not immune to click-bait headlines.
Hospital PR teams love to put out press releases with scantily clad details.
The headlines often convey a false narrative to instill faith in a leader.
Hospital systems operating in the red for years don't magically turn black.
For the trained eye in healthcare finance, you can do the math and know the shell game allows money to be moved.
Voila - one accounting transaction, and the headline goes from red to black.
The Board often approves the movement of unrestricted funds, which are a below-the-line entry and a non-operating gain; thus, an 'unrealized gain.'
Below-the-line entries are not a result of an improvement in operations.
Words matter, and so few in healthcare understand the significance of financial definitions.
Understanding the details on the balance sheet is a better indicator of financial viability for an entity.
What is the cash position trend?
What are the investor bond credit ratings?
Are bond covenants at risk?
There is a customary lag between the investor review and public knowledge of a remedy plan.
Not only are many headlines misleading, but equally as disturbing are the people in healthcare who celebrate a perceived victory and don't know any better.
Many that celebrate in the open are expected: C-suite occupants, consultants, advisors, salespeople, vendors, coaches, industry colleagues, and 'leaders' looking for a job.
Many behind the scenes know the reality and remain silent.
For those on the outside focused on demystifying healthcare finance because it is sexy, understand that even those with a seat at the table are only sometimes privy to the details.
Healthcare with a heart is well-rounded, intelligent, and transparent. ❤️
#accountability #transparency #ceo #cfo #hospitals #healthcarefinance #leadership #retention #turnover #bondmarket #hubris #moralinjury
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1moCongratulations Derek Dudley, MHA, FHFMA, CHFP, CPC, CRCR, CPAR It's a beautiful facility and a great group of people. Looking forward to hearing about the great things ahead!