https://mailchi.mp/3ed7bdd7f54b/the-weekly-gist-june-2-2023?e=d1e747d2d8

In the graphic above, we use the most recent data from software and analytics firm Strata Decision Technology to compare 2023 year-to-date (YTD) hospital volumes by admission type to both 2019 and 2022 volumes. 

Compared to 2019, outpatient volumes in 2023 have increased by 14 percent, while inpatient, observation, and emergency (ED) admissions are all down. However, compared to 2022, the reverse trend is true, with inpatient, observation, and ED volumes up from last year while outpatient volumes have dropped slightly. 

This suggests that the net increase in outpatient volume and net loss in inpatient and ED volume over the past few years appears to be locked in. While the COVID-accelerated outpatient shift is here to stay, hospitals can take solace in the recent uptick in inpatient, observation, and ED volumes, which helps those still struggling to return to positive operating margins.

Importantly, there is significant regional variability among these volume data, suggesting that health system recovery will not be uniform.