5 Common Problems You Might Encounter When Running a Private Hospital and How to Address Them

Private hospitals provide much-needed health services to those in the community. However, that doesn’t mean operating one always goes as planned. These hospitals encounter a variety of issues daily. Here are some of the most common problems and what you can do to solve them.

Problem 1: Not Enough Doctors or Nurses

All hospitals need to employ an adequate number of doctors and nurses to serve their patients. Many hospitals, however, report a shortage. Without enough providers, patient wait times increase, and the quality of service decreases.

A possible solution is to look for skilled providers elsewhere. Consider collaborating with a local medical or nursing school to create a satellite campus. Medical students can complete their clinical work at the hospital, and when they graduate, they’ll be more inclined to accept a permanent position. This creative solution keeps patients happy while also increasing the pool of qualified doctor and nurse candidates.

Problem 2: Too Many Independent Providers

Even if a hospital has plenty of doctors on hand, how many do they actually employ? Many private hospitals rely on independent providers to treat patients. However, this practice often leads to out-of-network care, which many insurance companies refuse to cover. Struggling to integrate doctors also means hospitals can’t take advantage of bundled payments.

Private hospitals should consider clinical co-management. In this system, physicians oversee and run their specific service lines, and the hospital manages administrative duties. It encourages doctor integration without requiring employment, and physicians provide better care because of a performance-based reimbursement model.

Problem 3: Too Many Full Beds

Private hospitals need to treat patients to make money, but too many patient days can greatly reduce revenues. Additionally, the average length-of-stay may also be an indicator of the hospital’s efficiency.

One way to keep more patient beds available is by working alongside nursing homes and extended care facilities to ensure timely patient transfer. Comparing discharge statistics between physicians is another way to encourage shorter stays. Not only does reducing a patient’s time in the hospital save money, but it also ensures they receive better, more personalized care.

Problem 4: Poor Communication in the Hospital

Everyone working in a private hospital serves a purpose, and it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication. Poor communication between providers reduces the quality of care, increases length-of-stay, and causes administrative delays.

A private hospital can assign liaisons throughout the facility to help combat this problem. For example, a head nurse may act as a liaison between nurses, patients, and doctors for a specific number of beds. Adding a leadership role will improve patient relationships and help physicians seamlessly take over a case during a shift change. Furthermore, turning revenue cycle management over to a third-party, like Coronis Health, can reduce billing and coding errors.

Problem 5: Community Health Problems

An unhealthy population can cause havoc in a private hospital. Preventable issues, including obesity and drug addiction, require valuable resources to treat.

A private hospital should consider community outreach to help make others aware of preventable health concerns. Teaching the public about nutrition at a local farmer’s market will not only promote healthy eating, but it will also support the economy. Hospitals can also participate in walk-a-thons or races to encourage regular exercise. Even speaking about the dangers of drug addiction at a local school can help reduce overdoses in the community.

Provide Outstanding Care to Every Patient

Operating a private hospital is a huge undertaking, and you’re bound to run into a few bumps along the way. However, most issues can be solved by thinking outside of the box. Eliminating these common problems in your private hospital will improve patient care, reduce overhead spending, and boost revenues.