Medicare
Arkansas Hospice Agencies Prepare for Rising Demand
As the population ages, Arkansas hospice services are mapping out the ways to expand their reach. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Little Rock Psychologist Indicted Over Defrauding Insurers More Than $500K
She allegedly billed for psychotherapy sessions that never occurred, including services for patients who were dead. read more >
Interim Chancellor Dr. C. Lowry Barnes on UAMS’ Financial Turnaround and Growth Strategy
While he has braced UAMS against the impact of tariffs and expiring tax credits, Barnes has also devised a plan to expand the medical institution instead of simply cutting costs. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
![Sarah Covey and Cory Vaughn are two of the six physicians whose partnership that will soon open an ambulatorysurgery center in Springdale. [Michael Woods]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_1454_opt-300x194.jpg)
Physician-Owned Ambulatory Surgery Center Coming to Springdale
Northwest Arkansas physicians launched Lakeside Surgery Center to offer lower-cost, streamlined outpatient procedures in a physician-owned facility. read more >
by Marty Cook -
![North Arkansas Regional Medical Center [photo provided]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hospital_1_opt-e1760044083827-300x194.jpg)
40% of Arkansas Hospitals Report Losses in 2024 as Costs Outpace Revenues
Uncertainty over federal legislation and expiring tax credits adds pressure, even as systems invest millions in expansions, new technology and AI to improve care and efficiency. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
![Curtis Barnett is the president and CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield. He’s navigating a funding crisis in the health care and insurance industries. [Karen E. Segrave]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ARBusiness-Curtiss-Barnett-0040_opt-300x194.jpg)
CEO Confronts Arkansas Blue Cross’ Historic Loss Amid Health Care Crisis
After a record $226 million loss, Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield’s CEO faces tough challenges ahead in an increasingly costly and complex health care landscape. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Trump Signs Executive Order Setting 30-Day Deadline for Drugmakers to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
The nation's leading pharmaceutical lobby on Sunday pushed back, calling it a “bad deal” for American patients. read more >
by Associated Press -
Baptist Health Reports $15.7M Operating Loss for 2024
Baptist Health reported a $15.7M operating loss in 2024 as expenses rose and pandemic relief funding ended, despite higher patient revenue and service expansion. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Arkansas Hospitals Brace for More Insurer Showdowns Amid Financial Recovery
Hospitals in Arkansas and nationwide are improving financially but still face challenges, including insurance disputes, staffing shortages, and financial uncertainties in 2025. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
White House Says Deals Struck to Cut Prices of Popular Medicare Drugs That Cost $50 Billion Yearly
The discounts, agreed to after months of negotiations with drug manufacturers, range between 38% and 79% on the medication's list price, which is the cost of medication before discounts or rebates are applied — not the price people actually pay for prescriptions. read more >
by Associated Press -
Medicare and Social Security Go-Broke Dates Pushed Back in a ‘Measure of Good News’
Still, officials warn that policy changes are needed lest the programs become unable to pay full benefits to retiring Americans. read more >
by Associated Press -
UAMS Hires Fellowship-trained Hematologist Oncologist (Movers & Shakers)
Dr. Anuradha Kunthur also serves as assistant professor in the UAMS College of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology. read more >
Reading The Future: Health Care (40 Years of Arkansas Business)
“I think there could be possibly more mergers or management agreements with hospitals that are facing financial challenges.” said Bo Ryall, President & CEO of the Arkansas Hospital Association. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Healthcare Havoc: Arkansas Institutions Grapple with Aftermath of Cyberattack
The Feb. 21 cyberattack squeezed cash flow to hospitals and prevented dozens of physicians and pharmacists from collecting millions of dollars’ worth of claims. The full scale of the attack’s damage may not be fully calculated for months. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Hospitals Must Obtain Written Consent for Pelvic and Similar Exams, The Federal Government Says
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the guidance was issued to “reiterate and provide clarity” regarding hospital consent requirements. read more >
by Associated Press -
A New Kind of Hospital is Coming to Rural America. To Qualify, Facilities Must Close Their Beds
The government, which classifies hospitals by type, rolled out the rural emergency option in January 2023. Only 19 hospitals across the U.S. received rural emergency hospital status last year. read more >
by Associated Press -
State to Receive $191K From Medicaid Fraud Settlement
Publicly traded Lincare, based in Clearwater, Florida, was accused of overbilling Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. read more >
Arkansas Heart Hospital CEO Lobbies for Higher Reimbursement Rates Amidst Layoffs
New legislation is being drafted that would force insurers to pay Arkansas hospitals the average being paid in border states. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Helena Hospital Sold and Renamed
Progressive Health Group purchased the hospital from Quorum Health of Brentwood, Tennessee, and is under contract with the city of Helena. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Baptist Health, UnitedHealthcare Reach Agreement
Baptist Health and UnitedHealthcare have reached a multi-year agreement over reimbursement rates that kept the state’s largest health care provider out of the insurer’s network since Jan. 1. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
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