President’s Message
Dear Fellow HFMA members,
Hello one more time to the members of this great chapter. It is hard to imagine that the year has gone by so quickly, but this is my last message as the chapter president. Though the year has passed rapidly, it has been a very good year for our chapter. I want to thank everyone that has been involved as a volunteer in the chapter this year from the leadership and including all of you who have been willing to serve in duties ranging from committees right on to manning registration tables at educational events. It is your efforts that make the great things that we do in this chapter stand out in our region and amongst other chapters nationwide. I would also like to thank Kathy Much for her assistance as the chapter coordinator. As I mentioned at the exceptional Past President’s Program in March, the leadership turns over each year in the chapter, but Kathy is the constant for our chapter and serves our membership well.
I also wanted to thank you as members for making our chapter as strong as it is. We get the opportunity each year to attend a couple of national events where all chapters from our great nation are represented. I can tell you from discussions that I have had with other chapter leadership that great things are going on all around the country related to HFMA and we are no less at the forefront of those things here. It is your participation and feedback that makes that possible for us. As I mentioned previously, 64% of you indicated on our 2011 membership survey that you are highly satisfied with the chapter and 90% fall into satisfied or higher. However, you also told us where we need to improve. We had a very good and lengthy discussion concerning the survey results at our last board meeting in order to strategically address your responses for the next year. You told us things that you would like to see such as diversity in program locations as well as improvements in the web site. I am pleased so say that the board is actively working to improve in these areas and others.
I am very confident in the leadership of the new year. This new year begins June 1, 2011 with Susan Flaherty as President, Diane Lilko President-Elect and Lisa Hilling Vice-President. They are all very capable in their abilities and will do wonderful things. They are also very committed to making the chapter even better. Next month is the Gerry Haggerty Annual Leadership Institute. For those of you in our southern end of the chapter, we are heading your way and will be in Canton, OH. I highly encourage you to go to the web site and check out the fantastic line up of speakers this committee has gathered. It has been a truly an amazing effort. You can come for all three days or choose what day you would like to attend. I will be there and would like the chance to meet you along with our other leaders and volunteers. Thank you again to all the volunteers and members for making this such a great chapterMike Manfull
President
Northeast Ohio Chapter, HFMA
New Members Spotlight - Welcome to NEOHFMA!
A closer look at some of the newest members to the Northeast Ohio Chapter of HFMA.
Francis A. Turocy, CPA, MSA
Bruner-Cox LLP
Getting to Know You Questions:
What do you like most about working in healthcare?
The constantly changing environment and the challenge that accompanies the complex transactions that occur.Where did you go to college?
University of AkronWhat activities do you enjoy outside of work?
Hunting, fishing, and spending time with my wife.What is your favorite sport or sports team?
BaseballWhere did you grow up?
Canfield, OH
Mike Ratica
Hillcrest Hospital
Getting to Know You Questions:
What is the biggest challenge you face in your position?
This is my first position in healthcare so it is a challenge to understand the industry specifics.Where did you go to college?
The Ohio State UniversityWhere is your favorite vacation spot?
Las VegasWhat is your favorite restaurant in Northeast Ohio?
Salmon Dave’sWhat was the last book you read?
Moneyball
Eric Snyder
RBC Inc.
Getting to Know You Questions:
Why did you decide to get involved in HFMA?
Networking opportunitiesWhat activities do you enjoy outside of work?
Watching youth sports, hunting, and fishingTell us the most intriguing thing about yourself?
I am a jazz saxophonist by training.Where is your favorite vacation spot?
ZimbabweWhat was your first job?
Baling hay
New Members - Welcome to NEOHFMA!
Please welcome our newest members to the Northeast Ohio Chapter of HFMA. Look for them at our next meeting and welcome them to our organization.
Michael O Bice |
Elisa L. Jones |
Dan Doroftei |
Amber D Wade |
Marchelle L. Suppan, DPM |
Sungmoo Lee |
Ankit Chhabra |
Michael V Spinelli |
Debbie Becker |
Stephen M. Gary, Sr., CPA |
Mark Melvin |
Frank Turocy |
Mike Ratica |
Eric Snyder |
Swathi Sethu |
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Welcome Back!
HFMA Members that have reinstated their Membership
Mary Ann Crawford, Ph.D., RN |
Thomas E Henderson, MBA |
George J. Ata, II |
Thomas S. Campanella, FAC |
Mary Kaye Verbiar, CPA |
Robert K. Eardley |
James Monroe |
Rochelle L. Kalski |
Lisa Scalet-Longworth |
Daniel Hardwick |
Kenneth J. Douglas, CPA |
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HFMA Certification
HFMA’s enhanced CHFP certification program is now live!
In a continuing effort to increase HFMA’s Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) recognition in the industry, HFMA conducted an extensive field study. The results of these findings indicated that members were seeking financial management education that is comprehensive, cross-functional, and integrated. Also, that the certification program should provide easier access to both preparation materials and examinations. HFMA’s Board of Examiners employed these findings as the guiding principles in restructuring the program.
The certification requirements are as follows:
- Successful completion of one comprehensive certification examination designed for mid-level healthcare finance professionals
- Minimum of 3-5 years of healthcare finance management experience
- Current and active HFMA membership
We are certain that these changes will provide candidates fewer barriers and a more seamless process in their path to certification.
To learn more about Certification, please visit www.hfma.org/certification or send an e-mail to HFMA’s certification team at certification@hfma.org. HFMA’s Member Service Center is also a resource at (800) 252-4362, ext. 2 or membersevices@hfma.org.
Gain CPE & Help NEO HFMA
Attend one or all of the free webinars below and not only gain CPE credits, but also help NEO HFMA reach its annual goal for educational hours.
HFMA's Webinars offer you an easy way to get the information you need on pressing healthcare finance topics. From the comfort of your office, you can participate in a Webinar and find the strategies and tools you need to help your organization achieve success.
Upcoming Webinars
May
Uncovering Hidden Costs and Financial Risks of Supply Chain Spend “Bad Data” (May 11, 2011)
Implications of Proposed Rule on Accountable Care Organizations (May 12, 2011)
Value Based Purchasing and Optimizing Your CDI Program (May 19, 2011)
Addressing Challenges and Implementing Turnaround Strategies in Financially Distressed Hospitals (May 24, 2011)
Hospital Strategies for Electronic Payment (May 25, 2011)
Evolving to an ACO: Better Patient Outcomes and Lower Expenditures (May 26, 2011)
Program Recaps
Patient Financial Services, This Is My World – Welcome To IT!
by Song Han
Date of Event: Friday, February 18, 2011
Location of Event: Akron General Health & Wellness Center
Presentation 1: Charles Cataline, Senior Director Health Policy
Company: Ohio Hospital Association
Topic: OHA Updates
The first speaker and program moderator, Charles Cataline provided Medicaid updates and covered great information on the issues, status and progression of the multiple audits that CMS is rolling out (MIC, MIP, RAC, etc.).
Presentation 2: Don Paulson, VP Revenue Cycle Mgt, Lyman Sornberger, Exec. Director Revenue Cycle Mgt, & Mary Legerski, Chief Compliance Officer
Company: University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic & MetroHealth System
Topic: “The RAC”
The speakers discussed the challenges faced when trying to have a positive RAC outcome and improvement of clinical documentation initiatives. The discussion covered methods being used for better physician management, medical necessity reviews, and clinical standards that hospitals are following. Medicare may be considering the use Milliman’s clinical standards so how that may affect institutions that are not using the same standards was discussed.
Presentation 3: Matt Sheldon, Revenue Cycle Director & Don Paulson, VP Revenue Cycle Mgt
Company: Lake Health & University Hospitals
Topic: Charity Care
With the Charity Care requirements becoming more substantial, the presenters covered the impact of new IRS rules and regulations and how they are being managed by individual systems and health care in general. Also covered was the topic of the separation of credit and collection policy as it related to the limitations on charges and extraordinary collection actions. Presenters encouraged the audience to review their charity policy to ensure compliance.
Presentation 4: Christine MacKay-Michels, Senior Director Revenue Cycle & Karen Melton, Product Manager
Company: Akron General Health System & Siemens
Topic: ICD-10
ICD-10 Transition from a provider’s perspective. Sharing points of interest and lessons learned on ICD-10 readiness assessment with fellow providers to help those that are in the planning process or validate information for those that have already begun the process. This topic is coming fast and furious and to continue to meet billing transaction submission and electronic payment receipt we, as providers, need to be ready with a plan that provides for a solid lead, resource allocation, cost structure and defined timeframe. October 1, 2013 is here.
Presentation 5: Charles Vignos, Vice President
Company: Summa Health Network
Topic: ACO
Providers must begin to improve our healthcare delivery system within our respective organizations and community. We must strive for even higher quality and better value across the entire continuum of care. Therefore, we must increase the levels of accountability and transparency within the delivery of healthcare. We must face this challenge for the benefit of the patients we serve.
2011 Healthcare 201: Keeping Your Finger on the Pulse of Healthcare Issues
by Song Han
The 2011 Healthcare 201 seminar was held at the Doubletree Hotel in Independence, Ohio on March 18, 2011. While attendance was down at 91 this year from 156 last year, the speaker lineup and key topics of industry interest proved to be a successful educational event for Northeast Ohio HFMA and non-HFMA members. The seven major healthcare topics covered at this program were:
- State of Healthcare by J.B. Silvers of Case Western Reserve University
- Decision Support by Dale Wells of Alliance Community Hospital
- Tax Exempt Organizations and IRS Form 990 by Terence Kennedy and Diane Bean of Ernst & Young
- Perspectives of a Healthcare Executive by Bill Keckan of Marymount Hospital
- Hot Issues in Healthcare & Healthcare Fraud by Special Agent Jeff Dressler of FBI
- HIPPA, Documentation, and Billing Compliance by Donald Sinko of Cleveland Clinic
- Bond Ratings/Current State of Capital Markets by Scott Winters of PNC Capital Markets
During lunch, our President, Mike Manful recognized the past HFMA Presidents for their many contributions to our chapter. Bill Keckan provided an overview of the benefits associated with joining the NEO Chapter of HFMA.
The informative presentations presented at the Healthcare 201 program proved to provide valuable education and updates on the circumstances surrounding healthcare for HFMA members and attendees.
At the conclusion of the sessions, attendees were invited to Shula’s 2 at the Doubletree to enjoy a March Madness networking event.
Tax Exempt Prganizations PowerPoint
HIPAA, Documentation and Billg Compliance, Oh My! PowerPoint
Decision Support Systems PowerPoint
Bond Ratings and Access to Capital in the Current Market
Save the Date
Regional HFMA Gerry Haggerty
Annual Leadership Institute
“Entering the Era of Accountability”
Program Date: May 18-20, 2011
Program Location: Glenmoor Country Club, Canton, OH
Attracting healthcare finance professionals from the Great Lakes region and others, The Gerry Haggerty Annual Leadership Institute (GHALI) combines educational programming led by nationally and regionally recognized speakers. Moreover, GHALI provides opportunities to network with others in the industry. This year’s theme is “Entering the Era of Accountability” and reflects the various presentations contained in the program.
Included in the conference are educational sessions led by healthcare industry leaders on a variety of pertinent topics; a Vendor Selection Criteria panel presentation; and vendor fair. Networking events include: golf at the Signature Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, Spa Services, Wine Tasting, Casino Night, and a Texas Hold’em Tournament. This conference qualifies for up to 17 hours of Ohio CPE.
Speakers:
- Mary Taylor – Lieutenant Governor, State of Ohio
- Matt Eirich – Managing Director, Advisory Board
- Kevin Coughlin – Chief Executive, Lexington Strategic (former Ohio State Senator)
- Ken Douglas, CPA – General Services Partner, Bruner-Cox
- Michael Sirhoman – Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Charles Vignos, CPA – President, Summa Health Network
- Thomas S. Campanella, MA, JD – Associate Professor & Director, Baldwin Wallace College
- James O. Cleverley, MHA – Principal, Cleverley & Associates
- Doug Dulin – Senior Director, Center for Operations Excellence, Akron Children’s Hospital
- Scott Bejak, CPA – Partner, BKD, LLP
- Frank Sossi – Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC
Vendor Selection Panel:
- Moderator: Chris Milligan – Regional Business Development Manager, Haman Arc
- Robert Eardley – Vice President, Associate CIO, University Hospitals
- Tom Mackey – CTO, Aultman Hospital
- Brian Quinn, CPA – Senior Director/Controller, Sisters of Charity Health System
- Lyman Sornberger – Executive Director, Patient Financial Services, Cleveland Clinic
Kudos
Kudos to Sarah Fletcher of Kaiser Permanente on being promoted to Senior Audit Manager.
Congratulations to Matt Kemmann of University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center on being promoted to Senior Operations Analyst.
Kudos to Matt Rusch of the Cleveland Clinic on being promoted to Director, PFS IT Solutions.
Congratulations to Mike Ratica on joining the Hillcrest Hospital Finance team as a Financial Analyst.
Congratulations to Chris Maeder and Cathy Jefferson who are the winners of our Virtual Healthcare Conference Contest! They will each be receiving a $50 gift card. Eligible contestants had to attend at least 8 sessions between December 1, 2010 and February 28, 2011.
Kudos to Song Han of Human Arc on being promoted to Client Relations Specialist.
Educational Articles
Grabbing the Reins of Your Self-Pay Population
By Doug Kennedy with CSI Financial Services
The term “Perfect Storm” has been used many times during the current economic downturn. It is especially true when referring to the increasing challenges patients are facing while trying to afford healthcare.
Consider this: Employers are offering fewer benefits, which results in employees paying higher deductibles and more out-of-pocket medical expenses. Despite reduced insurance coverage, healthcare costs continue to increase, exacerbating the burden of medical expenses on the patient. The Milliman Medical Index reports that healthcare costs for a typical family of four increased 7.2 percent in 2009 to an all-time high of $18,074. Read More…
What Should Be In Your Obligated Group?
By John Randolph
Reprinted with permission from Lancaster Pollard’s ‘The Capital Issue’ at www.lancasterpollard.com.
Multi-facility or multi-asset organizations faced with issuing or refinancing debt have an opportunity not afforded to stand-alone facilities: the ability to become greater than the sums of their individual parts.
Forming an obligated group allows organizations to combine multiple business lines or assets to create a single entity that becomes jointly and severally liable for debt. In doing so, a group of strong facilities may be able to borrow together at a lower interest rate or make the group more appealing for potential acquisition. Or an organization with, e.g., several hospitals and a single nursing home could combine its hospitals in one obligated group and isolate the nursing home to keep the nursing home’s different risk profile from diluting the credit strength of the hospitals. Obligated groups can also streamline the ability to use bank financing, as all debt becomes parity debt for the investor, and they may also make it easier for a rating agency to evaluate an organization’s overall credit strength. Read More...
Register Now for HFMA’s 2011 ANI:
The Healthcare Finance Conference
Join us in Orlando, Florida June 26-29, 2011 for a powerful line-up of best-practice sessions led by industry leaders and covering important topics such as Reform, Value, Clinical Transformation, Accountable Care, and Revenue Cycle. In addition, multiple networking opportunities and 27.5 CPEs ensure a valuable experience. Learn more and register – early-bird pricing now available.
Puzzle
If you are in a dark room with a candle, a wood stove and a gas lamp. You only have one match, so what do you light first?
E-mail your answer to Debora Guillermo at debora.guillermo@ey.com. All correct entries will be included in a drawing and one lucky entrant will receive a $25 gift certificate.
Previous puzzle
Answer:
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + (8 x 9) = 100
(1 x 2 + 3) x 4 x 5 + 6 – 7 – 8 + 9 = 100
- (1 x 2) + (3 x 4) + 5 + 6 + 7+ (8 x 9) = 100
Winner:Ruth Hormuth of Samaritan Regional Health System won a $25 gift card.