Healthcare providers are actively reducing costs in reaction to changes brought by healthcare reform, according to a survey from Provista, an Irving, Tx.-based supply chain improvement company.
The nationwide survey of 359 administrators, directors and office managers in ambulatory surgical centers (ASC), cancer centers, home health agencies and physician practices found the majority of organizations, nearly 70 percent of respondents, are cutting costs ahead of key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other initiatives on the horizon.
Of the organizations surveyed, the majority of ASCs and cancer centers are most confident in their ability to adapt to industry changes brought by reform, however, physician practices and home health agencies are less so. All organizations surveyed cite declining reimbursements as their primary challenge but are taking different steps to adapt ranging from partnerships and collaborative care models to diversifying services. While many providers are holding off purchasing in some categories, investments in computers and software remain strong.