draft - healthcare financial management association · safety-net hospitals suffer in all three big...
TRANSCRIPT
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
February 2016
PUBLICATION FOR THE MISSISSIPPI HEALTHCARE
FINANCE COMMUNITY
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER OF HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Mississippi
Headlines
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
Did you make any resolutions for the New Year? If those resolutions
included improving your healthcare education and expanding your net-
work of healthcare associates, I hope you will use the Mississippi
Chapter of HFMA to help you keep those resolutions. The chapter
strives to provide its members with relevant and timely education.
The meetings held by the chapter and within the region serve as excel-
lent opportunities to visit with your peers and healthcare vendors.
In November the Region 9 meeting was held in New Orleans. In ad-
dition to the outstanding educational sessions, on Monday night the
group participated in a Second Line parade to the House of Blues for
the primary social event. There were over 500 registered attendees at
the conference. That’s quite a pool of knowledge to have available.
Congratulations to David Williams and the other members of the Region 9
planning committee for another successful meeting. If you have never attended the Region 9 conference,
you should plan to be there in November, 2016. Watch the newsletter, the chapter web site and the Re-
gion 9 web site for more information.
The Tristate Institute, hosted by the Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee chapters of HFMA, moved
from Tunica to downtown Memphis for the 2016 conference during the last week of January. David
Butler, Mississippi, and Mark Hartman, Arkansas, were the co-chairs of the event this year. The planning
committee arranged a diverse agenda. The almost 200 attendees were able to attend some outstanding
educational sessions. The CFO panel spoke to an over flowing room of attendees. The social event at
Automatic Slim’s was well attended. Congratulations and thank you to the event planning committee.
Plan now to attend the 2017 Tristate Institute.
The Mississippi Chapter’s annual meeting will be held April 27 – 29 at the Golden Nugget in Biloxi. The
agenda will be available soon. Please watch your emails and check the chapter website, mshfma.org for
up to date information. I hope to see all of you there.
If you would like to volunteer and become more involved with the chapter, please contact me via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 662-293-7650.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Atkins
MISSISSIPPI HFMA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Rhonda Atkins
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
MISSISSIPPI HEADLINES PUBLICATION For the Mississippi healthcare finance community
EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION
Newsletter Committee Chair/Editor-In-Chief
Ken Dulaney, Alliance Collection Service, Inc.
Newsletter Editors
Robin Long, Healthcare Financial Services
Brittany Hill, HORNE LLP
Amanda Matson, Mississippi State Hospital
Newsletter Design
Ken Dulaney, Alliance Collection Service, Inc.
EDITORIAL POLICY
Material published in Mississippi Headlines is provided solely
for the information and education of its readers. The Mississippi
Chapter of HFMA does not endorse the published material or
warrant or guarantee its accuracy. The statements and opinions
in the articles are not those of Mississippi HFMA. References to
commercial manufacturers, vendors, products, or services that
may appear in such articles do not constitute endorsements by
the Chapter. Opinions expressed in articles or features are
those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of
the Mississippi Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Manage-
ment Association. The Newsletter Committee reserves the right
to accept or reject contributions whether solicited or not. All
article submissions must be typed and submitted as a Microsoft
Word document.
Please email your submission to:
Ken Dulaney
Mississippi HFMA…Your Educational Resource...
HFMA’s Online Membership Directory
Have you visited HFMA’s Online Membership Directory lately? Log in at www.mshfma.org or
http://www.hfma.org/login/index.cfm. When you select “HFMA Directory,” not only can you search for members of your chapter, you can also search for all your HFMA colleagues by name, company, and location—regardless of chapter! Using an online directory instead of a printed directory ensures that you always have the most up-to-date contact information. While accessing HFMA’s Online Membership Directory, you can view your current contact information and make edits to your profile. You can also see products you have ordered, events you have registered for, your CPE credits, your Founders points, and more! It’s vital that HFMA has your correct information, so please take a moment to review your record now. By doing so, you’ll ensure that HFMA continues to provide you with valuable information and insights that further your success.
HFMA Membership Benefits
As you experience the value HFMA provides, don’t forget to value the experience. HFMA offers opportunities to network with those who face similar challenges and successes. If you are looking to gain experience in a safe environment, or would like to share the experiences you’ve gained, opportunities to volunteer at the Mississippi Chapter or at a national level are plentiful.
The bottom line is that HFMA is comprised of more than 35,000 people just like you. What do we know about our members? We are value driven. We are forward thinking. We are innovative. And together, we are defining, realizing, and advancing the profession of the financial management of health care.
To learn more about the benefits of your HFMA membership visit http://www.hfma.org/Membership/.
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
NEWS TO NOTE
'Like' our Facebook Page and join in the conversation with others just like you.
Follow us on Twitter to learn about upcoming educational events and other chapter information.
We’ve Gone Social!
Welcome to our newest
Mississippi HFMA Members:
Walker Roberts, Supervisor, HORNE, LLP Ridgeland, MS
Lorrie Rice, PFS Director, Magnolia Regional Health Center Corinth, MS
Karen Bonura, Controller, Delta Regional Medical Center Cleveland, MS
Morgan Lamb, Associate, HORNE, LLP Ridgeland, MS
Florence Williams, Supervisor, HORNE, LLP Ridgeland, MS
Ryan Dunbar, Associate, HORNE, LLP Ridgeland, MS
Bryan Nelms, Manager-Reimbursement, UMMC Jackson, MS
Jay Howell, Director of Revenue Cycle Opera(ons, Vital Care, Inc. Meridian, MS
Derrick Mason, Accountant, HORNE, LLP Ridgeland, MS
Caitlin Dormody, Associate, HORNE, LLP Ridgeland, MS
Kenny Rakestraw, Decision Support Analyst, NMHS Tupelo, MS
Dorie Crouch, Decision Support Analyst, NMHS Tupelo, MS
Know someone that would benefit from HFMA? Have them contact Bill Nesmith at
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
SAVE THE DATE!
Ethics & PFS Workshop
The McGowan Building
Holmes College, Ridgeland, MS
June 21st, 2016
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fall Institute
Silver Star Casino
Philadelphia, MS
August 17th, 18th, 19th, 2016
2016 Annual Institute
Golden Nugget Casino
Biloxi, MS
April 27th thru 29th, 2016
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
Medicare Advantage Enrollment - January 2016
Ed Casteel is a board member of the Mississippi Chapter of HFMA and a Partner with Trilogy Revenue Cycle So-
lutions ([email protected]).
While Medicare Advantage enrollments change throughout the year, the most dramatic
changes take place in January of each year as a result of the open enrollment period in the
fall. In Mississippi, Medicare Advantage plans are dominated by three carriers; Humana,
Windsor and HealthSpring. Combined, these three carriers account for 98% of the Medicare
Membership in the state (See Table 1).
Continued on next page...
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
TABLE 2
Medicare Membership Change - January Enrollment
Insurance Company Dec-15 Jan-16
% Change
AETNA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 682 762 12%
Local PPO 682 762 12%
BCBS OF MICHIGAN MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 102 101 -1%
Local PPO 102 101 -1%
HEALTH CARE SERVICE CORPORATION 19 19 0%
Local PPO 19 19 0%
HEALTHSPRING OF TENNESSEE, INC. 8,625 10,511 22%
HMO/HMOPOS 8,625 10,511 22%
HIGHMARK SENIOR HEALTH COMPANY 34 34 0%
Local PPO 34 34 0%
HUMANA HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN OF LOUISIANA, INC. 24 23 -4%
HMO/HMOPOS 24 23 -4%
HUMANA INSURANCE COMPANY 37,082 38,277 3%
Local PPO 12,125 12,017 -1%
PFFS 2,403 1,941 -19%
Regional PPO 22,554 24,319 8%
HUMANA MEDICAL PLAN, INC. 15,794 15,576 -1%
HMO/HMOPOS 15,794 15,576 -1%
SIERRA HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. 1,145 1,207 5%
Local PPO 1,145 1,207 5%
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD EMPLOYES HEALTH SYS-TEMS 25 25 0%
HCPP - 1833 Cost 25 25 0%
WINDSOR HEALTH PLAN, INC. 18,080 18,319 1%
HMO/HMOPOS 18,080 18,319 1%
Grand Total 81,612 84,854 4%
Medicare Advantage Enrollment, Continued...
For 2016, Medicare Advantage plans continue to increase market penetration in Mississippi.
While there were no new plans for 2016, enrollment jumped 3,242 members (4.0%) in Janu-
ary (see Table 2).
In reviewing the January numbers, there are two concerning observations. First, a majority of the member-
ship growth came in HMO plans which have more difficult (i.e. costly) administrative requirements and
historically higher denial rates than other Medicare Advantage plan types. Second, PFFS membership con-
tinues to decline. PFFS plans are the easiest (i.e. least costly) to administer and historically have the lowest
denial rates.
Ed Casteel is a Partner with Trilogy Revenue Cycle Solutions ([email protected]).
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
FierceHealthFinance.com
Hospitals that treated uninsured patients and were more of the provider safety net were significantly more likely to receive financial penalties for patient readmissions than hospitals that treat wealthier patients, a new study finds.
The American Association of Medical Colleges exam-
ined a cohort of 302 "major teaching hospitals" with the
intent of determining the impacts of Medicare's Hospital
Value-Based Purchasing Program (HVBP); the Hospital
Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP); and the
Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program (HACRP).
All three programs were up and running simultaneously for the first time during fiscal 2015. Sixty
percent currently are financially dinged under the HVBP, 50 percent under the HACRP;and 90 per-
cent under the HRRP, according to the study.
However, the hospitals that serve poorer patients are not only far more likely to receive penalties,
but steeper ones as well, according to the study.
"For uncompensated care payments, hospitals in the bottom quartile received average payments
that were double those of hospitals in the top quartile," the study's authors said. "Major teaching
hospitals with the largest penalties also served 44.2 percent of disproportionate share patients
compared with 32.8 percent of these patients for major teaching hospitals with the largest bonuses,
which was statistically (significant)."
Issues with the HRRP have already been raised by other studies, which strongly suggested that hospitals cannot control for issues such as a patient's income or level of cognitive function, both of which can factor into a readmission. However, other data have suggested that hospitals often dis-charge patients when it is most lucrative for them to do so, not when it clinically benefits patients.
The study suggested that more research is needed on the structure of the programs. "These results
raise questions and concerns about the fairness of the program design and whether patient popula-
tion characteristics are sufficiently adjusted for in quality measuring," the study said.
To learn more:
- read the AAMC study (.pdf)
Read more at www.FierceHealthFinance.com
Safety-net Hospitals Suffer In All Three Big Medicare Incentive
Programs
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
What is HFMA's Virtual Conference? The Virtual Conference provides members and non-members with unique, interactive educational experiences, including real-time presentations with nationally recognized experts (CPEs available), networking opportunities, and industry solutions. All you
need is a computer and a high-speed internet connection to participate. You don't need to leave your home or office!
HFMA’s Virtual Conference
April 14th, 2016
HFMA is known throughout the industry for the quality of its educational programming. We've brought together some of the
most respected healthcare finance thought leaders and experts for this event.
HFMA’s 2016 Virtual Healthcare Finance Conference
• Interactive, live event
• Free for members
• $175 for non-members (includes HFMA membership through May 31, 2016)
• Influential speakers
• Dynamic education sessions
• Online networking opportunities
• Industry solutions
(Up to 3 CPE credits)
CPE Credits
The HFMA Education Foundation is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may submitted
to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website:www.learningmarket.org.
Registered participants will receive a certificate of attendance at the completion of each program reflecting the number of in-
structional hours earned. Unless otherwise stated, there are no prerequisites required for attending a Virtual Conference session
and 1.0 CPE credits will be given for each live session. CPE requirements may differ by jurisdiction; therefore, participants
should consult their reporting jurisdiction. All HFMA education programs can be applied toward HFMA Certification mainte-
nance point requirements.
REGISTER
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
The research conflicts with other findings that have identified a surge in patient shopping amid increasing provider and payer price transparency
efforts.
Jan. 22—Enrollees in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) were no more likely than those in traditional
plans to price-shop among providers, according to new research.
During their most recent healthcare visit, 1,099 HDHP enrollees were no more likely than 852 enrollees in traditional plans to consider going to another healthcare professional for their care, or to compare out-of-pocket cost differences across healthcare professionals, according to a research letter published Jan. 19 in JA-MA Internal Medicine. However, slightly larger shares of HDHP enrollees (71 percent versus 68 percent) thought out-of-pocket costs were important when choosing a physician, and larger shares (56 percent versus 50 percent) said they would
use additional sources of healthcare price information if available.
"Simply increasing a deductible, which gives enrollees skin in the game, appears insufficient to facilitate price shopping," the authors wrote. "If encouraging price shopping is a viewed as an important policy goal, then there is a need for greater availability of price information and innovative approaches to enrollee engagement
with this information."
The findings underscored the importance of price to all privately insured patients, according to Mark Rukavina, principal at Community Health Advisors, who noted that half or more say using price information
is important.
"Quite an impressive figure, given that this was barely part of the discussion for insured patients not that many years ago," Rukavina said in an interview. "As cost sharing becomes a greater burden for families, pa-
tients will come to expect that providers and insurers will be able to provide information on prices."
The recent findings followed a September report that 24 percent of workers are covered by a HDHP—up from 4 percent 10 years ago, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation's (KFF's) 2015 Employer Health Benefits Survey. Some health policy experts have cited the growth of HDHPs—defined by KFF as plans with deducti-bles of at least $1,000 for single coverage and $2,000 for family coverage—as the primary mechanism by
which employers have been able to limit premium increases in recent years.
Advocates for HDHP plans say the plans can encourage judicious use of healthcare services, while critics say
they can discourage the use of needed care.
The recent findings indicated to some healthcare finance leaders that patients are still acclimating to the rela-
tively new concept of widespread price shopping in health care.
"Currently, consumers may not be using the pricing tools at the levels expected by many health plans and pro-
viders, but we need to try various tools to see how consumers want to use them in their medical decision mak-
ing," said Richard L. Gundling, vice president for healthcare financial practices at HFMA. "It's too early to
draw a conclusion that consumers are rejecting these tools outright."
READ MORE AT www.HFMA.org
Rich Daly is a senior writer/editor in HFMA’s Washington, D.C., office. Follow Rich on Twitter: @rdalyhealthcare.
HDHP Enrollees Not Price Shopping: Study Rich Daly, HFMA Senior Writer/Editor
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
HFMA MS The Board met during the Tri-State HFMA meeting in Memphis. The meeting was well attended and very well planned. We ap-preciate those who set up the new venue and look forward to future meetings. A special thanks to David Butler for his efforts in
planning with the Arkansas and Tennessee Chapters.
FACEBOOK DRAWING
Win a $25 gift card if your name is
drawn at the reception of the April 2016,
MS HFMA meeting in Biloxi!
We are working hard to build our “Likes” on Fa-
cebook. We are very close to the “100 Likes”
mark and need your help to get across the line.
Just “like” MISSISSIPPI
CHAPTER OF HFMA to WIN!!
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
Healthcare Provider Sued in Medical Debt Collection Case
ACA International
Jan 29, 2016
California healthcare provider Prospect Medical Group faces allegations in a class-action lawsuit that include using an auto dialer to call a patient on her cell phone about a past-due bill without prior express consent. The case against Prospect Medical Group’s Southern California Hospital at Culver City stems from the Federal Communica-tions Commission’s Declaratory Ruling and Order, which includes an added layer of compliance changes in the
medical debt collection field, last July.
Modern Healthcare reported Friday that a complaint has not been issued against Prospect Medical, and the compa-ny issued a general statement that “it follows the necessary practices to obtain consent to call patients on their cell-
phones.”
Prospect Medical Group is one of the first providers to face a lawsuit of this nature since the FCC released its order
in July, according to Modern Healthcare.
The FCC will allow numbers dialed by mistake one time, but collectors could face fines or penalties under the new
order after that, ACA previously reported.
ACA and other petitioners filed suit in July to challenge the FCC’s authority and the unlawful, arbitrary and capri-cious provisions of its TCPA Order. The petitioners in the ACA Int’l case argue that the FCC went far beyond Con-gress’s original intent when redefining statutory terms to expand the scope of the TCPA, roping in normal legal
business contact with customers and violating the due process and free speech rights of companies.
Consumer TCPA cases against debt collectors have steadily increased over the years: In 2007, there were only 14 TCPA cases; the number increased significantly to 354 three years later in 2010. The next year, the cases spiked to
840 and to more than 1,000 starting in 2012.
Visit the American Collectors Association International at www.ACAInternational.org
Read the entire article on ACAI’s website at:
http://www.acainternational.org/news-healthcare-provider-sued-in-medical-debt-collection-case-38173.aspx
The case s tems from the provider’s a l leged lack o f pr ior express consent when contacting a con-sumer that is prohib i ted under the FCC’s Dec laratory Ru l ing and Order on the TCPA.
NEWS
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
PLATINUM SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT MS HFMA would like to say “Thank You!” to our Platinum Sponsors who support HFMA at the highest level.
.
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
CMS Proposes Changes to ACO Structure Www.FierceHealthcare.com
Monday, Feb 1, 2016 - Ron Shinkman
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a variety of changes to the payments to providers who participate in accounta-ble care organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare Share Savings Program.
Among the biggest developments, CMS plans to use regional rather than national spending trends
when updating performance benchmarks, it will also take into account the difference between fee-
for-service spending in the ACO's regional service area and the ACO's historical spending.
"Medicare payments are an important catalyst to improving care delivery, spending our resources smarter and keeping people healthy," said CMS Acting Administrator Andrew Slavitt in a statement. "This proposal allows ACOs in all parts of the country to be successful by recognizing both their achievements and improvements in how they provide care. This should have the effect of growing the number of ACOs, and making ACOs and the coordinated care they provide to patients, more of a standard in all parts of the country."
Along with those changes, the agency has also proposed option and deferment years for ACO par-
ticipants before making any changes to the way they're reimbursed (most ACO arrangements last
for three years before there is a renewal or recalibration). It also proposed loosening the criteria for
disputes over shared gains or shared losses as the result of an ACO's operation.
ACOs have borne some significant financial fruits, including a total savings to the Medicare program of more than $400 million in 2014. But few providers have received bonuses. Among the biggest fallouts as a result has been many providers pulling out of Medicare's other accountable care pro-gram: the Pioneer model.
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
HFMA Tri State Meeting Photos
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
Education Roundup
Did you know that HFMA provides numerous education opportunities that can help the Chapter earn DCMS
education hours?
Live HFMA programs also offer CPE credits that count toward your annual goals. The Mississippi chapter earns DCMS education hours that count toward the annual chapter education goal whenever a member of the
chapter attends or participates in a national event.
With self-study lessons, you can learn at your own pace with the flexibility to access lessons any time or any place. Just read the lesson, go over the review sections, and complete a six-question exam. You will receive a certificate of completion listing the courses you successfully finish, and 1 certification maintenance point per
lesson, if applicable.
Here are some of the education offerings:
eLearning for Individuals
Live Webinars
MAP Events (HFMA’s Revenue Cycle Conference)
Newsletter Self-Study
ON-Demand Webinars
Virtual Conferences
Women’s Leadership Conference (HERe)
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
You may have noticed that in the past four or five issues we have tried to place a special focus on
some of the people that have been key to the building and organization of MS HFMA. The idea is
simply to give credit where credit is due and to be honest, it is probably the most enjoyable part of
producing this newsletter.
Among the names that are first uttered when you ask someone in our chapter about HFMA leadership you will always hear
“Ed Tucker”.
When I asked members to help me with this article, they all raved about Ed and how much he has meant to the Mississippi
Chapter of HFMA. Everyone agrees that he has served in every possible way and is always
available to help with events, education, and just about anything else.
Much can be written about Ed, but to do him justice, let’s hear what the members that value
him have to say:
NOTE: For a fun moment with Ed, copy and paste this link:
https://www.facebook.com/149605991777533/videos/877188095685982/
QUOTES:
First of all, let me say that I consider Ed Tucker a friend and a mentor. I worked closely with Ed when he was with our hospital as a consultant and also later when he was hired as our hospital’s CFO. I can honestly say that I enjoyed working with and for Ed as much or more than any other individual that I have had the pleasure of working with during my 35 years at Forrest General Hospital.
Ed was always ready to take on any challenge. I am not good at telling stories, but I have to share the one story about Ed that was the most impressive to me during his time at Forrest General. As most of us know, most hospitals have financial challenges from time to time. Forrest General was having one of those challenges and Ed took on the re-sponsibility of coming up with a plan and implementing that plan to assist the hospital in overcoming that challenge. Ed developed his plan and presented it to the leadership group. As I recall, there were 2 major components of the plan-cut expenses and eliminate unnecessary manpower expenses. As all of you would expect, every leader did not immediately buy into the plan but the plan was put into place and every leader was held accountable and everyone had to file a regular report to document what they had done in their department to cut expenses and eliminate unnec-essary manpower expenses. I don’t remember exactly how long the plan took to turn things around, but I was amazed at the results. Ed didn’t make any new friends during this time period, but I hope that everyone realized how hard and tirelessly he worked to get the hospital back on track.
One final comment-we all owe Ed Tucker a Giant Thank YOU for his service to our Country during the Viet Nam War. Thank you Ed Tucker, not only for what you did to help our hospital, but also for your friendship and guidance. PAT
RILEY, Director of Insurance Operations, Forrest General Hospital
Mississippi HFMA Membership Spotlight
“Ed Tucker”
“Ed Tucker has always been a resource to HFMA for educa(on, contribu(ng his knowledge as a CFO to many par(ci-
pa(ng hospitals within the Mississippi chapter. In par(cular, he has always been helpful to me when pu/ng an
agenda together and trying to engage CFOs from around the State. He is always upbeat about HFMA and eager to
assist, which has served an invaluable purpose to the MS HFMA Educa(on Commi0ee.” JIM WADLINGTON,
HORNE, LLP. President-Elect, MSHFMA
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
Ed Tucker
“Ed is a true Ambassador for HFMA. Ed has been tremendously engaged at the Health System level, consul(ng level
and also educa(onal level. Not many people are aware that Ed served as
adjunct professor at Southern MS teaching the health care finance courses
in the MPH program. In his many capaci(es ED has always promoted the
benefit of being an HFMA member. My thanks to my friend and col-
league.” DAVID A WILLIAMS, CPA, MPH, FHFMA, Partner | HORNE LLP
________________________________________________________________
Ed has been a great friend and mentor for many years. He had consistently been involved with the MS Chapter whether through presenting on healthcare initiatives or entertaining us with his musical talents. This year's theme of " Go Beyond" char-acterizes Ed Tucker.... He has gone beyond what was expected as leader, co-worker, colleague, peer, mentor and especially a MS Chapter member! Our
chapter has been blessed with many great leaders but Ed ranks
at the top. DAVID L. BUTLER, CPA, FHFMA
_______________________________________________________________________________________
I’ve known Ed since the early 1980’s when he was with Burkhalter & Co doing contract Medicare
cost report audits. Ed probably has as much or more healthcare financial knowledge and know-how
than anyone around today. I also remember him calling me back in 2002 about a hospital CFO job
opening a<er I had le< the healthcare industry two years prior. To this day I don’t know whether
to thank him or blame him… BRYAN STEVENS, MS HFMA
_______________________________________________________________________________
I feel fortunate to have Ed Tucker as a close friend of mine. Whether it be playing music with him or discuss-ing hospital business, I am always impressed with his talent and knowledge. I treasure my friendship with Ed.
SCOTT TUCKER, HFS, Inc.
______________________________________________________________________________
I want to thank Ed for being such an ac(ve member of MSHFMA. I can probably count on one hand the mee(ngs I
have a0ended that he actually was NOT there. He has been so suppor(ve of our organiza(on. Ed has always seen
and promoted the worth of our organiza(on to not only the hospitals he has worked for, but also to his students at
Southern while teaching courses of the Master of Healthcare Program. I admire Ed for all that he has done not only
in his Healthcare career, his military service, but also the fact that he is
a man that likes to have "fun". Thanks for entertaining us along the
way! LEXIE FULLER, Controller, Rush
______________________________________________________
We truly appreciate and admire Ed Tucker. He is a
strong and passionate leader for Mississippi Chapter of
HFMA and we hope that this spotlight will, in a small
way, convey our love and appreciation of Ed. Thank you
Ed! Mississippi Chapter of HFMA
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
Tri State HFMA Meeting
January 2016
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
PLATINUM SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT
In this edition, we would like to recognize BKD CPAs and Advisors, LLP BKD, LLP, a national CPA and advisory firm, is ranked as the 12th largest firm in the nation with over 35 offices in 15 states. BKD National Health Care practice is the 7th largest health care advisory firm in the nation with 560 advisors who are specifically focused on health care.
Health care providers face myriad regulations and industry issues. With costs and regulatory scrutiny both on the rise, organizations must closely monitor costs, revenues and risks. Add to this an aging population and more patients using Medicare and Medicaid services, and the task of successfully providing services can seem overwhelming. BKD National Health Care Group advisors and professionals work with thousands of health care providers, including hospitals, long-term care centers, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, rural health clinics and other health care organizations na-tionwide. These providers depend on our health care consultants for assurance services, tax advice, financial and strategic planning, financing assistance, compliance issues and reimbursement services.
BKD, LLP
190 E Capitol St, Suite 500
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 351-1101
Jon Turner Penny Wood Linda Trifone Partner Director Director Health Care Industry Leader BKD Health Care Tax - Director BKD Health Care - Audit
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Experience confidence with a firm that works with approximately 3,200 health care organizations nationally and has professionals
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
WE THANK THESE COMPANIES THAT MAKE MS HFMA STRONGER WITH THEIR SUPPORT!
MS HFMA GOLD AND PLATINUM SPONSORS 2015 - 2016
PLATINUM
The mission of our chapter is to pro-
vide healthcare financial profession-
als in our state the education and
information to assist them with better
job performance and career en-
hancement. We believe our organi-
zation is in the best position to pro-
vide this education and information
and we intend to do that.
Our intent is to offer healthcare pro-
fessionals a quality product and a
value for their money. We strive to
enhance the value of our meetings in
a number of ways, some of which
include ensuring our topics and pro-
gramming are relevant, providing
consistent communication, expand-
ing our agendas to offer more hours
and a variety of topics, and partner-
ing with other groups to leverage our
resources for better speakers.
So how does this impact you? In
order to keep our educational ses-
sions at the highest level and also at
an affordable price, we need your
sponsorship commitment to subsi-
dize those meetings. Your corporate
sponsorship plays an essential role
in ensuring the success of our chap-
ter and our ability to meet the educa-
tional needs of healthcare profes-
sionals in our state. The Corporate
Sponsorship Program details the
different sponsorship levels available
as well as the cost and various bene-
fits you will receive as a corporate
sponsor.
Your corporate sponsorship is key to
the continued success of our chap-
ter. Thank you for getting involved
with our chapter and becoming a part
of an organization with a strong tradi-
tion of excellence and service.
GOLD
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
THE VALUE OF CERTIFICATION
Many healthcare organizations in today’s challenging economy recognize their workforce as their most valuable as-set. As such, these organizations tend to hold workforce development as a primary business strategy.
Investment in developing the talents, knowledge and skill sets of staffs are critical to the organization’s success. HFMA’s Healthcare Financial Pulse research identified this dynamic and noted that successful organizations today commit to the “bread and butter” of financial management, i.e. technically strong and comprehensive financial man-agement.
Likewise, many individual financial managers today recognize the importance of assuming personal responsibility for their careers’ success. More than ever before, individuals understand the importance of acquiring and maintaining comprehensive skill sets to ensure their ability to provide the financial management demanded today. These individu-als frequently seek out relevant professional development opportunities.
The larger business environment resulting from these forces is a heightened interest in workforce development initia-tives including certifications and credentialing. Credentialing programs have exploded across the past couple of dec-ades and include:
• professional associations offering certifications
• community colleges offering curriculum-based certificates
• corporate sponsored in-house credentials for employees
• technology companies providing proprietary credentials to customers
HFMA certification provides a fundamental business service to our industry, namely HFMA certification offers: • Assessment of job-related competency
• The opportunity for an individual to demonstrate skills and knowledge
• Independent verification of the skills and knowledge
• Confirmation that an individual is current in the practice field
The value of HFMA certification can be seen in several reported “value-adds”: • Increased departmental cooperation
• Heightened self-confidence among participants
• Increased performance against selected metrics
• Verification of staff knowledge and skills
• Assistance in structuring career paths
HFMA is committed to being the indispensable resource that defines, realizes and advances healthcare financial man-agement practice. As such, HFMA provides professional certifications to achieve this purpose in today’s business envi-ronment. This makes HFMA Certification a smart workforce investment strategy.
For more information on HFMA Certification, visit http://www.hfma.org/certification/.
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
The process for application, testing and certification can be found on the HFMA.org website or for fur-
ther information contact:
David Williams, Certification Chair
@ 601-326-1320 or [email protected]
HFMA Reinvents the CHFP Certification Program
New Focus on Skills to Address Needs of Changing Healthcare Industry:
Business Acumen, Strategy, Collaboration, and Leadership
In June 2015, the healthcare industry's premier certification in healthcare finance adopted an integrated approach that extends beyond its traditional focus on demonstrating competence in finance and accounting. The changes in Healthcare Financial Management Association's (HFMA) signature certification program, the Certified Healthcare Fi-nance Professional (CHFP), are designed to prepare leaders for a new era in health care.
"HFMA's goal is to build a broad understanding of healthcare finance together with leadership skills, business acumen, practical knowledge, and a collaborative spirit – skills essential for succeeding in today's environment," said HFMA Presi-dent and CEO Joseph J. Fifer, FHFMA, CPA. "Healthcare leaders in all sectors will require a deep understanding of the new financial realities of health care that reflect an integrated delivery system with the complexities of the provider, payor, and physician perspectives intertwined."
The reconfigured CHFP consists of two online modules:
• The Business of Healthcare: A big-picture overview of healthcare finance, risk and risk mitigation, new payment models, financial accounting and cost analysis, strategic financial issues, managing financial resources, and shifting payment models.
• Operational Excellence: The application of business acumen includes exercises that use a case study approach to understanding the business of health care.
The CHFP, which was first awarded in 1969, has long been seen as a must-have credential for healthcare finance pro-fessionals. The current program is highly technical and narrowly focused on accounting and finance skills. In June 2014, the HFMA Board of Examiners recommended that the program be reorganized. "We saw the need to focus on issues that reflect the contemporary healthcare environment," said Cindy Price, FHFMA, Chief Executive Officer, Parallon Busi-ness Performance Group - Houston, and Chair of the National Board of Examiners. "We wanted the preparation to em-phasize ongoing learning, which is critical for providing leadership amid today's policy and economic shifts, and also to align CHFP with HFMA's strategic vision, where providers, physicians, and payers must work together to ensure finan-cial sustainability." HFMA's National Board of Directors affirmed the recommendation.
More information is at hfma.org/chfp. or those of you who took the ere unsuccessful, or those who have conditional status by passing the CORE, you can still take the
“old” exam
CERTIFICATION MATTERS
David Williams
HORNE LLP
Www.HFMA.org/Cer(fica(on
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
VISIT OUR CHAPTER’S CORPORATE SPONSORS ONLINE
PPPPLATINUMLATINUMLATINUMLATINUM SSSSPONSORSPONSORSPONSORSPONSORS
ARS Collections www.arscollections.com
BKD, LLP CPAs & Advisors www.bkd.com
HORNE LLP www.horne-llp.com
KPMG LLP www.kpmg.com
RevClaims www.revclaims.com
GGGGOLDOLDOLDOLD SSSSPONSORSPONSORSPONSORSPONSORS
PatientMatters www.patientmatters.com
Professional Finance Company, Inc www.professionalfinancecompany.com
Smith, Rouchon and Associates, Inc. www.sra-inc.net
Alegis www.alegisrevenue.com
Franklin Collection Service, Inc. www.franklinservice.com
Magnolia Health Plan www.magnoliahealthplan.com
SSSSILVERILVERILVERILVER SSSSPONSORSPONSORSPONSORSPONSORS
Phelps Dunbar, LLP www.phelpsdunbar.com
Healthcare Financial Services, LLC www.hfsllc.com
The SSI Group, Inc www.thessigroup.com
RGL Associates, Inc. www.rglassociates.com
BBBBRONZERONZERONZERONZE SSSSPONSORSPONSORSPONSORSPONSORS
Arthur J. Gallagher, RMS Inc. www.ajg.com
HCFS, Inc. www.hcfsinc.com
Meridian Leasing www.meridianleasing.com
MSCB, Inc.
High Cotton www.highcottonusa.com
MedARx www.medarx.com
Xtend Healthcare www.xtendhealthcare.net
Management Resource Group www.mrgllc.net
Hub International www.hubinternational.com
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
2015 - 2016 MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER OF HFMA OFFICERS
President
Rhonda B. Atkins, CPA
Controller Magnolia Regional Health Center 611 Alcorn Drive
Corinth, MS 38834
(662) 293-7650
Treasurer
Joyce Turnage, CPA Controller
St. Dominic-Jackson Me-morial Hospital 969 Lakeland Dr.
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 200-6591
President Elect
Jim Wadlington, CPA
Manager HORNE, LLP
1020 Highland Colony
Ste 400
Ridgeland, MS 39157
(601) 326-1376 jim.wadlington@horne-
llp.com
Secretary
Keith Heartsill
Healthcare Consultant Heartsill Healthcare Con-sulting 827 Eagle Point Dr.
Meridian, MS 39305
(601)-553-6118
2015 - 2016 MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER OF HFMA COMMITTEE
ASSIGNMENTS
Membership Chair
Bill Nesmith
Sr. Account Executive CBSI, Inc.
(662) 321-3017
Newsletter Chair
Ken Dulaney
Director, Sales & Marketing Alliance Collection Service
(662) 841-9995
kdulaney@alliancecollectionser
vice.com
Certification Chair
David Williams, CPA, FHFMA
Partner HORNE LLP
(601) 326-1320
DCMS & Founders Contact
Rhonda Atkins
Controller Magnolia Regional Med. Ctr.
(662) 293-7650
Sponsorship Chair
Rhonda Breakfield
Administrative Director MS Chapter HFMA
(769) 456-1211
Webmaster
Rhonda Breakfield
Administrative Director MS Chapter HFMA
(769) 456-1211
Education / Program Chair
Jim Wadlington / CPA,
CHFP
Manager HORNE, LLP
(601) 326-1000
Jim.wadlington@horne-
llp.com
Social Events Chair
Debi Lee
Account Executive Alegis Revenue Group, LLC
(601) 310-0137
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
Charla G. Rowley, CPA, HFMA
CFO Southwest MS Regional PO Box 1307
McComb, MS 39648
(601) 249-1806
2015 - 2016 MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER OF HFMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robin Long
Marketing Manager
Healthcare Financial Services
911 Flynt Drive, Flowood, MS
39232
(601) 927-3243
Ed Casteel
Partner Trilogy Revenue Cycle Solutions 137 Executive Dr., Ste. F
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 405-4641
Penny Wood, CPA,
Tax Senior Manager BKD LLP 190 E Capitol St Ste 500
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 351-1101
Denice Bailey
Business Office Director
Baptist Medical Ctr. Yazoo 823 Grand Ave
Yazoo City MS 39134
(662) 751-8156
MS Chapter of HFMA · Mississippi Headlines · February 2016
ABOUT HFMA
Mississippi HFMA…Your Educational Resource...
HFMA is the nation's leading membership organization for healthcare financial management executives and leaders. More than
35,000 members—ranging from CFOs to controllers to accountants—consider HFMA a respected thought leader on top trends and issues facing the healthcare industry. HFMA members can be found in all areas of the healthcare system, including hospitals, man-aged care organizations, physician practices, accounting firms, and insurance companies.
The Mississippi Chapter of HFMA, along with other regional chapters and the national HFMA, helps healthcare finance professionals in Mississippi meet the challenges of the modern healthcare environment by:
• Providing education, analysis, and guidance.
• Building and supporting coalitions with other healthcare associations to ensure accurate representation of the healthcare finance profession.
• Educating a broad spectrum of key industry decision makers on the intricacies and realities of maintaining fiscally healthy healthcare organizations.
• Working with a broad cross-section of stakeholders to improve the healthcare industry by identifying and bridging gaps in knowledge, best practices, and standards.
Vision
HFMA's vision is: "To be the indispensable resource for healthcare finance.”
Purpose Statement
To define, realize, and advance the financial management of health care by helping members and others improve the business perfor-mance of organizations operating in or serving the healthcare field.
Quality Statement
Quality is the foundation of the Association and the keystone of its efforts to ensure member and customer satisfaction. HFMA's objec-tive is to:
• Consistently provide services and products that meet the quality expectations of its members, customers, and employees.
• Actively pursue a program of continuous quality improvement that enables employees and volunteers to do their jobs right the first time.
• Quality is a major, strategic association goal. It lies at the heart of everything done for members and customers. HFMA strives continually to improve the quality of services and products offered, the processes and procedures used to produce them, and the manner in which they are delivered.
Values Statement
We believe that service to members is our highest priority.
We believe in excellence in all that we do.
We believe that teamwork is essential in meeting the objectives of HFMA.
We believe in the importance of individuals.
We believe in encouraging innovation and creativity.
We believe in conducting HFMA with financial responsibility and a prudent approach to business.