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Correct!

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Correct! For-profit hospitals are owned by investors. They are often publicly traded and are in business to reward their investors.

Correct! Nonprofit hospitals are supposed to do charitable things for the community in return for their tax-free status. This is a huge issue, as some hospitals do far less for their communities than others.

Correct! The AHCJ has strict rules on not taking money from the industries that health reporters cover. The group’s listserv can pick the brains of over 1,500 journalists on deadline. AHCJ also offers tip sheets and conference sessions on hospital finances that can deepen your reporting. It’s the quickest, most cost-effective support out there!

Correct! All of these individuals would be a good source and provide a unique perspective.

Correct! It’s a recipe for failure, especially when you are just getting started on this beat. Obtain the documents and find independent academic experts who can review them and teach you what questions you should be asking. These experts can also be quoted.

Correct!

Correct! Identifying the kind of hospital you are covering is a critical first step because it will dictate which documents you can get.