Higher Thinking
Quick, timely blog posts. Thought-provoking trends. How-to guides and in-depth case studies. Use this page to explore all of our best thinking on US healthcare delivery, plus the occasional news from our firm. Find something that inspires or troubles you? Contact us any time – we’d love to be your thought partner in delivering more accessible, sustainable, and equitable healthcare. >>
Blog Posts
Meet the Team: Kim Meymandi
How an illness led this senior consultant into a healthcare career – with a special focus on improving access for underserved communities.
Blog Posts
Hospital Community Benefit Rules: Changes Ahead
From state capitals to Washington DC, hospitals face mounting pressure to justify their tax exemption. Here are 3 things to do right now.
Blog Posts
Deus Ex Machina: AI for CON Applications?
AI tools may be a helpful resource when creating CON applications, but they can't yet replace personal experience or human smarts.
Blog Posts
Are Airports More “Essential” Than Hospitals?
The DOJ sues hospitals to protect competition in healthcare while the DOT pays millions to protect airline monopolies ... but why?
Healthcare Horizons
Hospital M&A: 3 Reasons to Know Your HHI
As regulators crack down on mergers, healthcare leaders need to defend their plans with a mix of numbers + narrative.
Guides
Look-Alike Health Centers: the Ascendient Guide
Learn why this obscure provider type can offer financial and strategic benefits while improving care for underserved communities.
Blog Posts
Rural Emergency Hospital Questions: Just the FAQs
We have answers to the 9 biggest questions we've been hearing about Medicare's new Rural Emergency Hospital model.
Blog Posts
Health-Related Social Needs: Get Ready for CMS Mandates
New rules are coming soon for screening patients with health-related social needs. Here's what that means for your mission & margins.
Healthcare Horizons
Health Equity Strategy: 6 Things to Know About New CMS Rules
The Hospital IQR Program now includes rules promoting health equity. Here are 6 smart steps for getting compliant.
Blog Posts
What the 2023 IPPS Tells Us About CMS Priorities
Yes, the 2023 IPPS boosts inpatient reimbursement by several billion dollars, but 3 trends around hospital data could be even bigger news.
Case Studies
Community Health Assessments: Taking a Collective Approach
How a county-wide CHA process helped save money, broaden public participation, and build alignment among providers.
Blog Posts
Debating the Role of Pharmacy in Healthcare Transformation
Thanks to their ubiquity and familiarity, pharmacies can play an important role in healthcare transformation – if policymakers allow them to.
Blog Posts
NC Legislature Hears from Dawn Carter on Certificate of Need Reform
A Joint Committee of the NC General Assembly recently heard from Ascendient's Dawn Carter on the subject of Certificate of Need reform.
Blog Posts
Public Health Strategic Planning: Don’t Skimp on the SWOT
A good SWOT analysis is foundational to public health strategic planning. Here's a step-by-step guide for doing it right.
Blog Posts
The Public Health CHA: Time for a Temperature Reading
As some public health departments come under fire by Covid-weary residents, the CHA process could be a powerful tool for bridge-building.
Blog Posts
The Senate Rural Health Caucus Needs NC Voices
Rural hospitals are closing at a record pace, yet NC's most powerful lawmakers don't bother to join the bipartisan Senate Rural Health Caucus.
Blog Posts
Hospital at Home: Answering the $30,000 Question
Covid-19 gave a big boost to Hospital at Home efforts. With higher satisfaction, lower costs, and better outcomes, the trend looks unstoppable.
Blog Posts
Hospital Community Benefit: How Do You Measure and Why Should You Care?
Hospital community benefit is tough to measure, but it's worth the effort – both for more equitable healthcare and better hospital finances.
Blog Posts
Important Changes to CON Laws in NC: What You Need to Know
For the first time in a generation, NC has modified its CON laws. Here's what hospital leaders need to know about the changes.
Blog Posts
What’s the Price of Healthcare Price Transparency?
Regulating healthcare price transparency is a bad idea for 4 reasons. Read our op-ed originally published in the Charlotte Observer.