"AN EXCELLENT INVESTMENT"

This is the title of an interesting article that appeared in the May 2008 issue of HHN Magazine by Michael Bilton. It is not about finances, although in a way it ultimately is. Rather, the author points out that an "annual community health assesment" can be a valuable tool for a hospital's planning. By understanding what the healthcare needs of the community are, a healthcare executive can plan a strategy and allocate financial resources towards those programs for which there is the greatest demand in the community.

Identifying the needs of your marketplace so that you can target your services towards meeting those needs is one of the basic principles of running a business. Borrowing this strategy from the business world can enable healthcare executives to better develop service lines and prevention programs that will increase their market share and enhance their financial performance.

And when it comes to financial performance, healthcare executives are increasingly using another tool used in the general business world - accounts receivable financing. The unique medical accounts receivable funding program from Sun Capital HealthCare, Inc. has proven itself to be a valuable tool for healthcare organizations in fiscal stress as well as those poised for growth and profitability.