Jeff Goldsmith

Hospitals need to take action against the decline in U.S. life expectancy, Jeff Goldsmith says.

When the economy heads south, the number of uninsured rises while states’ Medicaid payments fall, leading to less revenue and more bad debt for health systems, Jeff Goldsmith says.

Health system leaders need to take a more holistic view of the role of their physician practices in order to fully realize their worth.

Economic rewards for good care are only part of the story for providers. Patient satisfaction and future referrals are strong incentives, too.

The argument that we have not received societal benefits along with the rise in health costs is difficult to defend.

The incoming generation's preference for quick decisions and attachment to social media can be a good thing for health care management.

The two groups undergo vastly different training and come from very different viewpoints. Understanding the chasm and building trust are critical for working together.

Several developments — fewer uninsured, a focus on value, declining mortality, among others — indicate our health system is moving in a positive direction.

Hospital leaders will need to get creative to find arrangements with physicians that will benefit everyone.