* The deteriorating financial condition of hospitals are making capital access more difficult.

* The gap between financially successful and struggling providers are widening as to capital access, creditworthiness, and the ability to finance the future.

As for the predictions of future capital expenditures , the study compiled some interesting statistics:

* 72% of CFO’s expect capital expenditures to increase in the next five years.

* 85% of hospital CFO’s surveyed said they thought it would be more difficult for their organizations to fund capital expenditures in the future

* 63% responded that they expected to be more dependent on cash from operations to fund capital needs.

Staying as up to date as possible with new equipment technologies and replacing aging plants are a key priority among health providers. These organizations also must spend money on cleaning up old liabilities and build outpatient facilities in order for their operations to be viable in the future. However, expenditures for updated equipment such as over $1 million for an updated PET scanner aren’t being matched by income. Reduced Medicare reimbursements haven’t covered costs. As a result, healthcare systems have had to make up the difference.

From the patient perspective, they don’t want to visit a facility that merely “keeps up”. Patients are paying more out of pocket expenses than ever before. As a result, they expect to be able to benefit from the technological advances they hear about.

The gap between what patients need and what healthcare providers can offer is ever widening. This gap is likely to remain in effect if factors such as the Medicare situation, escalating malpractice insurance premiums, and costly technology, continue to squeeze cash flows.

What should the provider do?

1. Work with financial service companies that really know healthcare. In other words, not just a company that can put together a deal, but one that understands the provider’s strategies as well as the particular needs of the patients. They need to work with companies that put forth financial solutions that don’t sacrifice or compromise other segments of the business.

2. Shed assets that are a financial drain on the healthcare provider. They need to determine which real estate assets are productive for the future success of the business and which are not. For example, medical office buildings are difficult to maintain and manage. Selling the asset to a third party owner can relieve the provider not only the headaches of property management, but can free up cash and improve the balance sheet dramatically.

3. Control expenses and improve operational functions. Although many of the expenses of a hospital or practice are fixed in nature, there are still strategies that can be employed to improve the bottom line. One method is to periodically perform employee reviews to determine which staff members are productive and which aren’t. An untrained or simply incompetent nurse or other staff member can cost the facility a lot of money over time. The analyst should also review the purchasing policy of supplies and surgical instruments. Is the facility taking advantage of quantity discounts? Are competitive quotes received from other medical supply distributors?

4. Collections can likely be improved. When collection staff members follow up on both third party and self pay receivables, rather than just wait until they become considerably past due, days outstanding usually decrease. This can make a tremendous difference in the amount of available cash flow.

It is clear that capital struggles are likely to continue for the foreseeable future and it is critical that healthcare system executives must “think outside the box” to remain competitive and in some cases, to survive.

AmeriPlan® is a credible organization that helps millions of Americans save money on their healthcare needs every month and also provides Independent Business Owners with the opportunity to make long-term residual income in the process.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 20, 2008 – For almost 16 years, AmeriPlan® Corporation has been the leader in providing affordable, money saving discount healthcare programs. AmeriPlan’s Dental Plus, Basic Health, Total Health and Total Health Plus programs have saved uninsured and underinsured Americans hundreds of millions of dollars on their Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug, Chiropractic Care and other health-related expenses.

AmeriPlan’s programs are not insurance; instead, AmeriPlan® provides healthcare services through networks of contracted providers. AmeriPlan’s healthcare providers offer their services at reduced rates to AmeriPlan® members because members pay for the services they require at the time they are provided.

AmeriPlan® members may also enjoy access to ancillary services such as lab work, a hospital advocacy program, plus legal, identity theft and auto club services.

Company Founders Dennis and Daniel Bloom chose a network marketing business model as the ideal way to market  AmeriPlan’s programs to the public.  Currently, some 40,000 Independent Business Owners (IBOs), such as Oklahoma City’s Robynne Price, sign up thousands of new members each month, as well as other IBOs interested in building a profitable home-based business. AmeriPlan® has more than 175 employees operating out of its headquarters facility at 5700 Democracy Drive, Plano, Texas 74024.

Dennis and Daniel Bloom comment, “We are so proud of our company, employees, independent sales force, members and healthcare providers. Our mission to provide quality, affordable healthcare to the public is a partnership between AmeriPlan® and our Independent Business Owners. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people in the coming years.”

For more information, visit http://www.deliveringonthepromise.com/Price

Join 7,000,000 existing subscribers and receive discount healthcare. When you become a member you’ll have access to 500,000 healthcare providers nationwide.

With the discount Medical Discount Card you’ll receive savings on dental, vision, prescription, hearing, clinic visits and more……….

Careington is one of the largest, most comprehensive, privately held discount health care companies in America. Through esteemed networks of providers, ancillary products and specialty services covering the full continuum of care, Careington offers innovative programs to compliment traditional health insurance and provide substantial savings for under insured and uninsured individuals.

Today, healthcare prices are high, and getting higher. Who will pay your bills if you have a serious accident or a major illness? Obtaining a discount medical card might help to protect yourself financially and emotionally. In case you need medical care Careington has partnered with leading providers, such as PHCS, Aetna Dental Access and EyeMed Vision Care, to ensure that you receive the highest quality of care.

The Discount Medical Card Household Plans can be used by everyone currently living in the household. All family members are eligible for discounts with the plan at no additional cost.

We provide Discount Healthcare for Families, Individuals & Businesses. These affordable plans start at only $11.95-$ 29.95 monthly. Everyone is accepted and there are no limits on use.

Visit: www.healthambassadors.net to find out more information and to apply online.