One of the major headwinds confronting hospitals is contracting margins. As Medicare margins continue to erode (see chart), one-time gains many hospitals and health systems experienced as a result of Medicaid expansion or private exchanges have been offset by other adverse developments. Headwinds facing hospitals include:
- Continuing pressure on Medicare margins
- Value-based care upending historic business models and posing significant transition risk for health systems assuming more risk in caring for populations
- Disruption posed by new entrants focusing on niche offerings that decant profitable business