Financial information that's yours for the asking

To preserve the financial integrity of their institutions, trustees need free access to financial information and a clear understanding of its implications. Among the items that should be considered periodically are financial data, charge structure, measurements of output, conflicts of interest, third-party reimbursement, capital projects, litigation, cost containment, new programs, compensation practices, regulatory compliance, the hospital's decision-making process, physician activity, vendor and charity care policies, and results of the annual audit.