Cash, Cash Conversion Cycle, Inventory and COVID-19

Abstract

In recent years, hospital cash balances and cash conversion has been largely stable in Washington State hospitals, with the only increase coming in terms of increasing inventory. At current levels, cash is in short supply at many hospitals. While increasing inventory would appear to be a good move in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, inventory is not a single generic item. Hospital inventory is comprised of literally thousands of supplies and medications, only a few of which are critical. Hospital financial viability could be threatened by insufficient liquidity.

Keywords: COVID-19, liquidity, cash, inventory