After big losses, Henry Ford prospers

It's a good time for the Henry Ford Health System, which is coming back strong after suffering major losses a few years ago. The nonprofit system has done well again this year, reporting a 2006 net income of $134.9 million on revenues of $3.25 billion. Revenues are up 6.6 percent from 2005, and net income a whopping 20 percent. Revenue sources included $1.5 billion from the system's Health Alliance Plan and $1 billion from its 920-bed Detroit hospital, physician practices and behavioral health program. These numbers are a huge turnaround for the Ford system, which had lost $87.7 million in 2001. Now it's on a winning streak; in fact, this is the fourth year in which the health system has improved earnings. Buoyed by its new success, the system is building a $310 million hospital and has acquired another health system. In addition, it plans to spend $1 billion on projects between 2006 and 2010. What's more, the system is hiring, having added 947 staffers last year alone. It also paid $22.4 million in bonuses last year, which ranged from $400 to $1,200 depending on employee status.

To find out more about the system's turnaround:
- read this Detroit Free Press piece

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