A new study from the University of Pennsylvania shows that rich hospitals are getting most of their funds from sources other than patient revenue.

“The most significant contributors to asset growth may include sources such as real estate holdings, hospital system consolidation, and other unmeasured forms of investment, capital, or systemic advantage,” the study says.

From 2000-2019, hospital assets more than doubled, from $750 billion to $1.6 trillion. Wealthy hospitals seem to keep getting richer.

Hospital Watch has uncovered multiple examples of consolidation, real estate investment, and other means contributing to a hospital’s bottom line. Hospitals should be focused on patient care – not on bloating their bank accounts. It’s time for greater financial transparency and more comprehensive regulatory tools to level the playing field.

Better Solutions believes policymakers need to take action and look beyond conventional metrics to consider the full scope of hospital wealth. Shining a light on these disparities and encouraging lawmakers to pass policies that promote greater transparency and accountability in our hospitals will benefit everyone involved.