DRAFT - Healthcare Financial Management Association · Safety-net Hospitals Suffer In All Three Big Medica FierceHealthFinance.com Hospitals that treated uninsured patients and were

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


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


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

[email protected]

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/.


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

[email protected].


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


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...


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]).


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


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


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


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!!


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


PLATINUM SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT MS HFMA would like to say “Thank You!” to our Platinum Sponsors who support HFMA at the highest level.

.


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.


HFMA Tri State Meeting Photos


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)


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


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


Tri State HFMA Meeting

January 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.

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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


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/.


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


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


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

[email protected]

Treasurer

Joyce Turnage, CPA Controller

St. Dominic-Jackson Me-morial Hospital 969 Lakeland Dr.

Jackson, MS 39216

(601) 200-6591

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

2015 - 2016 MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER OF HFMA COMMITTEE

ASSIGNMENTS

Membership Chair

Bill Nesmith

Sr. Account Executive CBSI, Inc.

(662) 321-3017

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

DCMS & Founders Contact

Rhonda Atkins

Controller Magnolia Regional Med. Ctr.

(662) 293-7650

[email protected]

Sponsorship Chair

Rhonda Breakfield

Administrative Director MS Chapter HFMA

(769) 456-1211

[email protected]

Webmaster

Rhonda Breakfield

Administrative Director MS Chapter HFMA

(769) 456-1211

[email protected]

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

[email protected]


Charla G. Rowley, CPA, HFMA

CFO Southwest MS Regional PO Box 1307

McComb, MS 39648

(601) 249-1806

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

Ed Casteel

Partner Trilogy Revenue Cycle Solutions 137 Executive Dr., Ste. F

Madison, MS 39110

(601) 405-4641

[email protected]

Penny Wood, CPA,

Tax Senior Manager BKD LLP 190 E Capitol St Ste 500

Jackson, MS 39201

(601) 351-1101

[email protected]

Denice Bailey

Business Office Director

Baptist Medical Ctr. Yazoo 823 Grand Ave

Yazoo City MS 39134

(662) 751-8156

[email protected]


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.

Documents

DRAFT - Healthcare Financial Management Association · Safety-net Hospitals Suffer In All Three Big Medica FierceHealthFinance.com Hospitals that treated uninsured patients and were