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AdvantageAKSARBEN
FALL 2014
Message from the President
This will be my last message as the president of the Aksarben Chapter. It has been an honor to represent our chapter on the local, state, and national levels.
There is a large spectrum of changes and challenges that we will be encountering in the future. The Education Committee will be contacting speakers to address these different areas so watch for our upcoming conference agendas.
Speaking of conferences…if you weren’t able to attend the Fall Conference in September, you missed a great educational opportunity. Mark your calendars now to attend the Spring Conference, April 23rd and 24th, in Kearney.
I am also asking that you consider volunteering to help on a committee and/or running for a Board or Officer position next year. This is an excellent way to meet other members and learn more about AAHAM.
Have a great winter and a blessed holiday season and I hope to see you all at the Spring Conference.
Beth CarstensenAksarben Chapter President
SAVE THE DATE2015 AAHAM ConferencesApril 23-24, 2015
September 10-11, 2015
2014 Officers, Board, & Committee
Chairs Officers
PresidentBeth Carstensen
Vice President Cindy Vossler
Secretary Claire Smutz
TreasurerMarge Harris, CRCE-P, CPC
Board Chair John Keady
2014 AKSARBEN Board Members
Sharon McGuire Maurice Mashek
Jan YoungViki Hawkins, CRCE-P, CPC
Kevin ConwayShelly Soupir
2014 AKSARBEN AAHAM Committee Chairs Awards
Claire Smutz
Certification Bernie Hergott, CRCS-I
Chapter Excellence Award Maureen Cavanaugh
Communications Shelly Soupir
Corporate Partners Troy Medina
Education/ReimbursementClaire Smutz (Temporary)
Ethics, Constitution Bylaws Viki Hawkins, CRCE-P, CPC
Government Relations Kevin Conway
Historian Sharon McGuire, CRCE-P, CPC
Hospitality Jody Jameson-Theye & Cherise Baker
Membership Jan Young
Nominating Terri Melvin
Ways & Means Maurice Mashek, Jr., CRCE-P
2014 AKSARBEN Board Members Viki Hawkins, CRCE-P, CPC, Maurice Mashek, Jr., CRCE-P,
Jan Young, Sharon McGuire, CRCE-P, CPC, Kevin Conway and Shelly Soupir
New Committee Chairs:Hospitality (2013-2014)
Jody Jameson-Theye. Cherise Baker and Terri Melvin
Membership Jan Young
Corporate Partners Troy Medina
Congratulationsto the newly elected:
Vice President Cindy Vossler
TreasurerMarge Harris, CRCE-P, CPC
Voting BallotAAHAM Aksarben Chapter 2015-2016 Board of Directors
Voting Ballot is on Page 13
Ballots must be postmarked no later than October 17, 2014
Ballots may be mailed to: AAHAM Ballot, C/O Terri Melvin1210 Irving, Lincoln, NE 68521
Questions?Need More Information?
If you have questions regarding the upcoming AAHAM Conferences, please contact Shelly Girtz-Soupir, Communications Chair. Shelly may also be contacted if you have questions or need more information at 402-651-2103 or [email protected]
AKSARBEN Advantage 2
Claims Payment Automation: How to Make an Educated ChoiceBy Priscilla Holland, AAP, Senior Director, NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association
Providers should make an informed decision on accepting virtual card claims payments, as these payments shift the cost of payment processing from the health plan to the provider. Credit card rules do not require a provider to accept virtual card payments just because they accept credit cards for patient payments.
Costs of EFT PaymentsThe costs associated with EFT payments can vary widely. With ACH payments, providers, as small businesses, generally pay their financial institutions a per-transaction fee for each ACH payment directly deposited to their accounts. The average per-transaction cost is $0.34, regardless of the payment amount.
Wire transfers and virtual cards are more costly. The fees associated with wire transfers vary, but the average provider will pay $10.73 regardless of the payment amount. With virtual cards, providers pay an average interchange fee of 3 percent plus a per-transaction fee to process the transactions. Some health plans are being incented by card issuers to switch from check to virtual card payments in exchange for a rebate of up to 1.75 percent of the interchange fee paid by the provider.
Many providers have found that claims paid by virtual card have increased this year. As a result, the fees they pay for card acceptance have skyrocketed. Does your practice have a planned response to virtual card claims payments? Do you know your rights under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to a less expensive form of claims payment?
Under the ACA, providers have a number of electronic payment options available to them for claims reimbursements. Options can include the healthcare EFT standard via ACH, credit and virtual card payments, and wire transfers. Each payment type has unique attributes and associated costs, and providers have the ability to choose the payment type that best suits the needs of their practice.
The Healthcare EFT StandardSimilar to Direct Deposit, EFT via ACH enables health plan-to-provider payments that are processed over the ACH Network using the healthcare EFT standard, or the NACHA CCD+ Addenda. Payments made this way include a TRN Reassociation Trace Number, which is used to tie the ACH payment to the appropriate Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA). This allows for the automatic reconciliation of the EFT payment with the ERA.
Other EFT Payment OptionsHealth plans may offer other EFT payment options, including wire transfer or virtual cards, in addition to the healthcare EFT standard via ACH. Some health plans are replacing all check claims payments with virtual card payments without prior authorization from the provider. A virtual card is a single-use credit card transaction that must be manually entered into the provider’s point of sale terminal and manually reconciled with an explanation of benefits (EOB).
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Claims Payment Automation: How to Make an Educated ChoiceBy Priscilla Holland, AAP, Senior Director, NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association
To learn more, visit https://healthcare.nacha.org.
Priscilla Holland is the Senior Director of Healthcare & Industry Verticals for NACHA. As Senior Director, she leads NACHA’s healthcare payments program and works on other payments and remittance information and standards projects. She has more than 20 years of experience in cash management, project management and product development and is an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) and a permanent Certified Cash Manager (CCM).
Educated ChoiceWhile HIPAA requires health plans to make EFT via ACH available upon request, providers should be cognizant of any restrictions in payment methods when contracting with health plans. They should also avoid signing contracts with inflexible payment terms. Providers who don’t wish to accept health plan virtual card payments should educate their office staff to recognize the difference between patient and health plan payments, in order to prevent undesired authorization of health plan virtual card payments.
It is important for providers to understand their rights under HIPAA and the ACA and make an educated decision on how their organization will be paid for claims reimbursements. Lack of understanding and transparency can have a significant impact on the bottom line of the practice.
Percentage of total payment, plus a transaction fee - Example: 3 percent
average interchange fee on $2,500, plus a $0.10 transaction fee = $75.10
Must have agreement with merchant card processing provider & POS
processing system/terminal
Higher risk Card numbers have information that
can be used by anyone with the ability to accept card payments
Each payment must be processed manually
Not included with payments. Cannot receive HIPAA-compliant ERA with
virtual card payments
2-3 business days, plus mail float Same dayNext day
$0.341 $10.732
One time with each health plan One time with each health plan
No requirement to include TRN with wire transfer—but it can be
included in remittance information
Very low risk
None None
Very low riskFinancial Institutions can support
additional account monitoring tools, such as debit filters or blocks
Standardized inclusion of TRN with ACH payment
Virtual CardHealthcare EFT Standard (VIA ACH) Wire Transfer
Funds Availability (as measured from the time that a plan initiates payment)
Average Cost to Provider On a $2,500 Claim Payment
Enrollment/Acceptance Process
Risk
Manual Processing
Reassociation Trace Number (TRN)
Comparing EFT Payment Options
1 The Blue Book of Bank Prices 2012-2013 published by Phoenix-Hecht – http://www.phoenixhecht.com/treasuryresources/PDF/BBExecSumm.pdf 2 Ibid
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AKSARBEN Advantage 5
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AAHAM Certification
On Wednesday, April 23rd, a Certification Planning and Training session was held by Certification Chair, Bernie Hergott. Five members attended to discuss the certification process and the benefits of becoming certified. We reviewed some flash cards that Maurice Mashek, Bernie Hergott and Misty Liss created and reviewed the AAHAM Study Guide. Two persons are interested in the testing for technical certification,
AAHAM Certification Planning and Training
while another is interested in mid-level certification. Additional web based sessions will be planned for 2014. We have several certified members with expertise to share during our sessions.
AAHAM offers certifications in the healthcare revenue cycle for professionals. If you are interested in becoming certified or have any questions about AAHAM Certification, please give Bernie Hergott a call at 402-562-3157 or e-mail her; [email protected] . Bernie is the Director of Patient Financial Services at Columbus Community Hospital and is the AAHAM Certification Chair. She would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Certifications:Certified Revenue Cycle Executive-Institutional (CRCE-I)
formerly known as the Certified Patient Account Manager (CPAM)
Certified Revenue Cycle Executive-Professional (CRCE-P) formerly known as the Certified Clinic Account Manager (CCAM)
Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP) a new mid-level certification
Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist-Institutional (CRCS-I) formerly known as the Certified Patient Account Technician (CPAT)
Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist-Professional (CRCS-P) formerly known as the Certified Clinic Account Technician (CCAT)
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Member Get A Member
Aksarben AAHAM is looking for new members. Next time you talk with this person make it a point to discuss the opportunities and benefits of being a member of AAHAM.
AAHAM is the premier professional organization in healthcare administrative management. Professional development of its members is one of the primary goals of the Association. Publications, conferences and seminars, benchmarking, professional certification and networking provide numerous opportunities for increasing the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively in today’s healthcare environment. AAHAM actively represents the interest of healthcare administrative management professionals through a comprehensive program of legislative and regulatory monitoring and its participation in industry groups such as ANSI, DISA, and NUBC.
Benefits of Aksarben AAHAM membership: • Annual Membership Dues: $30.00• Chapter Membership Directory• Quarterly Newsletters• Spring and Fall Workshops• Discounts at Workshops• Networking Opportunities
Benefits of National AAHAM Membership: • National Membership Dues: $175.00 – includes
State Dues• National Membership Directory• Legislative Currents Newsletter• Networking with colleagues in field• College Scholarships• Vote on National Issues and in National Elections
AAHAM National Website, Members Advantage• The Journal of Patient Account Management
Subscription (published quarterly)• Networking and education opportunities through
Annual National Institute (ANI)• Eligibility for Certification Designations:
Professional Certification (CRCE-I (formerly CPAM) & CRCE-P (formerly CCAM))
• Technical Certification (CRCS-I (formerly CPAT) & CRCS-P (formerly CCAT))
• National job back to assist you in searching for and posting that special job
Who do you know or work with that could benefit from educational and networking opportunities available through Aksarben AAHAM?
The membership application is located in this newsletter. Call Jan Young at 402-941-7212 or [email protected] to discuss membership opportunities.
Contact
AKSARBEN Advantage 9
Revenue Cycle Management: The Recognition of Non-discounted DollarsAuthor: Chuck Seviour, Vice President of Revenue Cycle
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Where is it Important in a Healthcare Facility?There are multiple areas where the recognition of non-discounted dollars is important. For example, if your healthcare facility recognizes non-discounted dollars, you need to teach your staff its importance. For example, it can be used when new medical machines need to be procured. By using non-discounted dollars, providers can know the costs and benefits of a medical device, analyzing if it is worth it.
As a result, it ensures they know the importance of paying on time and whether the procurement is beneficial to the healthcare facility or not. It also improves revenue cycle management by providing accuracy in the value of procurements.
Non-discounted dollars are an important element of any business, especially for the accounting and finance department. Non-discounted dollars provide an easy way for healthcare professionals to perform a cost-benefit analysis. In fact, recognizing non-discounted is a great way to improve revenue cycle management. Non-discounted dollars are impacted in three distinct areas: patient collections, accounting and finance. Here is a closer look at the recognition of non-discounted dollars, its effects and how healthcare providers can put it in place.
What Are Non-discounted Dollars?Non-discounted dollars are a type of dollar that symbolizes the value of a product or service without considering the changes in time – interest such as co-pays and deductibles. For example, if a healthcare provider procures new medical equipment, the non-discounted dollar value would be the value of that machine at that time.
Why Non-discounted Dollars are ImportantNon-discounted dollars are a vital component for any healthcare provider because it gives the provider a look at how their current investments and payments will fare. For example, when a service is provided, healthcare professionals need to know how much they will be paid if in time and if paid later. In essence, it gives healthcare providers a look at how long it will take to recover their invested amount.
Considering that every dollar counts, this also forms a vital part of revenue cycle management. When staff know about non-discounted dollars, they are able to ensure they procure cost-effective items in an efficient manner.
Revenue Cycle Management: The Recognition of Non-discounted DollarsAuthor: Chuck Seviour, Vice President of Revenue Cycle
AKSARBEN Advantage 14
Chuck Seviour Vice President of Revenue Cycle
Chuck has over 40 years of healthcare industry experience ranging from Director of Business Office Operations for a large health system to consulting with over 150 hospitals as a healthcare consultant for a major accounting firm. Chuck has been Vice President of Revenue Cycle for Array Services Group since 2004.
A point of service collection area is one such area where non-discounted dollars are important. In fact, it has become essential for healthcare providers to improve their point of service collections. With professional communication skills, the staff at POS collection points can make sure that patients know about the needs of their healthcare provider and know about their responsibility to pay them.
Other areas where they can be used is in pre-admissions, scheduling admissions, registration and even in the emergency department. By controlling these collection control points, healthcare providers can maximize their efficiency while minimizing monetary constraints.
By recognizing non-discounted dollars, healthcare providers ensure they know that time is not considered when analyzing various elements such as procurement. They are able to realize just how important it is to procure payments. By recognizing non-discounted dollars, healthcare providers can also improve revenue cycle management. The net result of recognizing non-discounted dollars is the exponential growth of the healthcare provider and their facilities.
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AKSARBEN Advantage 13
VoTiNG BAlloT AAHAM Aksarben Chapter 2015-2016 Board of Directors
Consistent with the current bylaws, we have several Executive and Board positions open for election for the 2015-2016 years (2-year terms). Please use this form to VOTE for the individual of your choice who has been previously nominated for the open positions, by placing a check mark or X next to the name. Please vote for only one individual for each position.
Ballots must be postmarked no later than October 17, 2014. Ballots may be mailed to: AAHAM Ballot, c/o Terri Melvin 1210 Irving, Lincoln NE 68521
Jody Jameson-Theye
2015-2016 Executive Officers
Requires National Membership
VOTING BALLOT
AAHAM AKSARBEN CHAPTER
2015-2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2015-2016 Nominee - 2 Year Term
Ballots must be postmarked no later than October 17, 2014. Ballots may be mailed to: AAHAM Ballot, c/o Terri
Melvin 1210 Irving, Lincoln NE 68521
Consistent with the current bylaws, we have several Executive and Board positions open for election for
the 2015-2016 years (2-year terms). Please use this form to VOTE for the individual of your choice who
has been previously nominated for the open positions, by placing a check mark or X next to the name.
Please vote for only one individual for each position.
Cindy Vossler
2015-2016 Nominee - 2 Year Term
Secretary
Ginn Parks
1st Board Position
Sharon McGuire
Board Of Directors
Requires National or State Membership
President
REMEMBER - YOUR VOICE COUNTS - WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
2nd Board Position
3rd Board Position
Maurice Mashek
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AKSARBEN Advantage 14
New National MembersDiana Balls - New West Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic SurgerySara Kloepping - New West Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery
New State MembersAmber Johnson – Litzenberg Memorial Community HospitalDebby Synowicki – Coventry Healthcare of NebrBrenda Wozniak – Coventry Healthcare of NebrChele Smith – Seward Family Medical CenterBecky Schwartz – Kearney Regional Medical Center
New Members
Survey Results Received from Survey Monkey
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AKSARBEN Advantage 16
It Pays to be Different!
www.gsbcollect.com Contact Brad Uhlenhopp at 515-223-0343 | [email protected]
Name and Title: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Credentials (CPAM, CCAM, CPC, RN, etc.) _________________________________________________________________________________
Employer: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: _____________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________ Fax: ________________________________________________________
E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If sponsored by current AAHAM Member, please give name: _________________________________________________________________
Please select employer type:
o Clinic (Number of Physicians: _______ ) o Hospital (Number of Beds: _______ )
o Agency o Other (Please specify) ___________________________________
I am interested in serving on the following committee(s):
o Awards o Ethics, Constitution, & Bylaws o Nominating o Certification
o Government Relations o Reimbursement o Chapter of Excellence o Historian
o Ways & Means o Communications o Hospitality o Education
o Membership
State membership dues are $30 and are for the calendar year. A new State Membership paid at the time of the Fall Conference will be effective through the next calendar year. This does not apply to those new State Memberships paid at the time of the Spring Conference. National Dues are $175 and include Aksarben Chapter State dues. No additional dues are required. If you are considering certification, you are required to be a national Member before testing.
STATE MEMBERSHIP ($30 per year)Chapter Membership Directory Quarterly NewslettersDiscounts at Workshops Networking Opportunities
NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP ($175 per year – includes State Dues):National Membership Directory Legislative Currents NewsletterNetworking with colleagues in field College ScholarshipsVote on National Issues and in National Elections AAHAM National Website, Members AdvantageThe Journal of Patient Account Management Subscription (published quarterly)Networking and education opportunities through Annual National Institute ANI)Eligibility for Certification Designations: Professional Certification (CPAM & CCAM). Technical Certification (CPAT & CCAT)National Job Bank to assist you in searching for and posting that special job
If you are attending the Conference and wish to become a new member of Aksarben AAHAM, complete this Membership Application
and return it along with the Conference Registration Form and $180.
2014 Aksarben AAHAM Membership FormMail Check and Registration Form to:
Aksarben AAHAM, PO Box 540154, Omaha, NE 68154
AKSARBEN Advantage 17
Aksarben AAHAM Corporate Partners
The Aksarben Chapter wishes to thank all of our Corporate Sponsors for their continued support.
2014 PlATiNUM lEVEl SPoNSoRS
Accelerated Receivables SolutionsBlue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
Credit Management Wakefield & Associates
General Service Bureau/Early Out ServicesTiburon Financial, LLCProSource Billing, Inc.
2014 SilVER lEVEl SPoNSoRS
ARL Credit ServicesAutomated Accounts Management Services
General Collection Mail Communications
Professional Choice Recovery, Inc.Hauge Associates
AKSARBEN Advantage 18
