The report also found historic lows for hospital median total profit margins and median cash-on-hand.
"Hospitals are facing unprecedented economic stress and many of the indicators we’re seeing suggest that things will get worse before they get better," said Gary Pickens, chief research officer for the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters, in the release. "While operating margins are generally holding steady, non-operating margins have all but disappeared from hospital balance sheets. That makes it difficult for hospitals to secure financing for new equipment and to fund expansion efforts."
The report examined more than 20 financial indicators at 439 small, medium and large U.S. hospitals.
Learn more about the Thomson Reuters report on U.S. hospital finances.
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