Healthcare Financial Management articles from March 2003

Healthcare Financial Management archives from March 2003

MedPAC recommends smaller updates for FY04. (Updata).(the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission formulates the recommendations it will send to Congress)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... At its January meeting, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) formulated most of the recommendations it will send to Congress in March. The recommendations included updating hospital payments in FY04 with the market-basket (MB) rate...

SEC moves ahead with Sarbanes-Oxley implementation. (Updata).
March 1, 2003... The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued some key final and proposed rules to implement sections of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Although the act, also known as the Corporate Accountability Act and the Accounting Industry...

Smallpox vaccination program authorized. (Updata).(HHS secretary Tommy Thompson signs a declaration allowing states to launch the smallpox vaccination program)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... On January 24, 2003, HHS secretary Tommy Thompson signed a declaration allowing states to begin the smallpox vaccination program authorized by the Homeland Security Act. Under the program, healthcare workers who volunteer for smallpox response...

Instructions issued on early 2003 physician services payments. (Updata).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... CMS has published a program memorandum (PM) instructing Medicare carriers to make system changes to adjust physicians' claims with dates of service January 1 through February 28, 2003, that have been processed after March 1, 2003. Carriers are...

CMS eases quality-control requirements for clinical laboratories. (Updata).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... CMS has published a final rule streamlining quality requirements for clinical laboratories. The final rule, published in the January 24 Federal Register, completes the implementation of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988...

LTCHs and IRFs not subject to 72-hour rule. (Updata).(long-term care hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) and inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) are only subject to the one-day payment window (24-hour rule) for preadmission services, according to PM A-03-008. It was mistakenly assumed that because these...

CMS directs FIs on cost-to-charge ratio updates, calculation change. (Updata).(fiscal intermediaries are instructed to update the Medicare outpatient cost-to-charge ratios)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... CMS has instructed fiscal intermediaries (FIs) to update the Medicare outpatient cost-to-charge ratios (CCRs) for hospitals and community mental health centers (CMHCs), and included new instructions regarding hospital cost-report treatment for...

CMS requires hospital quality improvement. (Updata).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... CMS published a final rule in the January 24 Federal Register requiring hospitals to develop and maintain a quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI) program. The QAPI requirement is part of CMS's initiative on reducing medical...

OIG clarifies employment of excluded individuals. (Updata).(in federal healthcare programs)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The OIG has issued an advisory opinion confirming that individuals excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs are actually prohibited from direct and indirect involvement with those programs. However, these individuals can be...

ASCs on OIG's center stage. (Updata).(ambulatory surgery centers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Improper ambulatory surgery center (ASC) claims processing and ASC joint ownership have recently received attention from the OIG In December and January the OIG reported on its nationwide analysis of ASC claims. Of 54,549 payments, the OIG...

Clinical trial arrangements accepted by OIG. (Updata).(funding issues for clinical trials)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The OIG's inclusion of Medicare payment for clinical trials in the 2003 Work Plan may have prompted the request for an opinion on a randomized clinical trial (called ACCORD) funded and managed by the National Institute of Health's National...

CMS has published the second quarterly 2003 home health consolidated billing updates. (In Brief).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... CMS has published the second quarterly 2003 home health consolidated billing updates. The update adds a single nonroutine supply code (A6440 "Zinc Paste>="

In a final rule published in the January 24 Federal Register, CMS establishes requirements and procedures for external quality review (EQR) of Medicaid managed care organizations and prepaid inpatient health plans (PIHPs). (In Brief).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... In a final rule published in the January 24 Federal Register, CMS establishes requirements and procedures for external quality review (EQR) of Medicaid managed care organizations arid prepaid inpatient health plans (PIHPs). It defines who can...

The OIG says that from surveillance to communication to interventions, further work is needed at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that our country's public health system is fully prepared to respond to bioterrorism. (In Brief).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The OIG says that from surveillance to communication to interventions, further work is needed at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that our country's public health system is fully prepared to respond to bioterrorism. To read about...

CMS has published a PM clarifying the requirements for payment for foot and nail care services. (In Brief).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... CMS has published a PM clarifying the requirements for payment for foot and nail care services. The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently studied the appropriateness of Medicare payments for nail debridement, which is the single...

A three-sided debate on medical malpractice reform. (State Policy Watch).
March 1, 2003... Medical malpractice premiums are rising, and angst and recriminations abound. The insurance industry claims premium hikes are largely due to an increase in lawsuits by injured patients. The American Trial Lawyers Association claims the...

We have met the future, and it is us. (Vantage Point).(expectations for the healthcare industry)(Column)
March 1, 2003... "We have met the enemy and he is us' So said the comic strip "Pogo" as penned by cartoonist Walt Kelly in 1971. My version of the quote looks not to the enemy but to the future: "We have met the future, and it is us." "It is us" as healthcare...

Experience the value. Value the experience. (Viewpoint).(HFMA seeks to offer value to its members)
March 1, 2003... Value is not a buzzword these days--it's a mantra. Organizations that offer limited value disappear. We've seen it with 100-yearold companies like Montgomery Ward, as well as with new organizations that barely had time to add a "dot corn" to...

Survey rates top IHNs, points to key success factors. (In the News).(integrated healthcare networks)
March 1, 2003... Integrated healthcare networks (IHNs) have faced some major challenges in recent years but growth remains stable, according to the most recent Verispan IHN 100 (formerly the SMG IHN 100). The findings indicate the market has matured, and rapid...

HFMA hosts Revenue-Cycle Strategies Conference. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... HFMA will host the 2003 Revenue-Cycle Strategies Conference on April 27-29 in New Orleans. General sessions include: * "Overview of the Hospital Revenue Cycle: A Dynamic Journey," featuring Steven Berger, FHFMA, CPA, president, Healthcare...

HIPAA strategies explored. (News).
March 1, 2003... Organizations must test for HIPAA electronic transactions beginning April 16, 2003, and conform to these standards by October 16, 2003. Procuring, testing, and implementing the appropriate solutions must be done in accordance with the HIPAA...

Medicare according to Bush: don't use that "P" word. (FYI).
March 1, 2003... "Medicare is a one-size-fits-all approach that just doesn't make sense any longer." --CMS administrator Tom Scully on the president's proposals to "privatize" Medicare. "Prescription drug coverage should be available to all seniors,...

In support of patient care: an interview with Lawrence J. Majka of Advocate Health Care. (Executive Insights).(Interview)
March 1, 2003... The effective financial leadership of a large integrated delivery system requires much more than just focusing on the numbers, according to Lawrence Majka. Rather, it depends also on having a deep understanding of the broad issues that define a...

Hospitals, group purchasing organizations, and the antitrust laws. (Business).
March 1, 2003... A group purchasing organization (GPO) charges its member hospitals a one-time, up-front fee to belong. A medical device manufacturer offers a member hospital a rebate if the hospital agrees to purchase products only from that firm. A GPO offers...

Merging the managed care cycle and revenue cycle to meet strategic goals. (Managed Care).
March 1, 2003... The managed care cycle and revenue cycle of a healthcare provider share the same ultimate goal--appropriate payment for services provided. This goal can be reached most effectively when healthcare providers understand and merge the long-term...

Meeting the nursing shortage head on a roundtable discussion.(Panel Discussion)
March 1, 2003... Causes of the current nursing crisis are interconnected and ongoing. Economic pressures, an aging nursing workforce, and scientific advances extending life span all point to an evolving crisis. According to a July 2002 report by the Health...

Operational and design strategies for a reduced workforce: address staff shortages by investigating operational models and facility design that encourage efficiency and productivity.
March 1, 2003... Today, many hospitals are trying to provide modern care in antiquated facilities. Often, operational models and work processes have been adapted to the hospital and department layout, rather than the other way around. When a hospital needs to...

Are you prepared for a shortage of anesthesia providers? It may be time to review your contract-negotiation strategies.
March 1, 2003... It's a trend that's catching many healthcare financial managers off guard. In recent years, the supply of anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists has not kept pace with the demand for their services, and staffing shortages are likely to...

Transforming the revenue cycle: tighter accountability, reduced variability, better information management, and more comprehensive integration will fuel the transformation.(Illustration)
March 1, 2003... What is involved in the transformation of a hospital's revenue-cycle management practices? How do "transformed" hospitals leverage processes, technologies, relationships, and business structures to improve their financial performance? ...

Political insight: contemplating Medicare reform.(Panel Discussion)
March 1, 2003... What is the future for the Medicare program? Are we at the brink of dramatic changes in how the nation cares for its senior citizens? In the days leading up to his State-of-the-Union address, President Bush began hinting at a proposal for...

Medicare: how you see it depends on where you stand. (Medicare/Medicaid).
March 1, 2003... Have you ever stopped to fully consider the importance of Medicare? Hospital financial managers can easily spend so much time focusing on the program's inadequate payments that consideration of the program's strengths and the views of its other...

You don't know what you've got till it's gone. (Management Issues).
March 1, 2003... Corporate malfeasance, the demise of Andersen, and the investigations into the relationship between corporate bankers and buy-side analysts all grabbed headlines last year. In the wake of those corporate scandals, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was...

Analyzing information technology value. (Digital Perspectives).
March 1, 2003... Whether it's purchasing a new information system or upgrading existing technology, weighing an investment in information technology (IT) can be particularly challenging. Factors contributing to the pressure-filled situation are numerous. ...

Surfing the financial web. (Personal Finance).
March 1, 2003... Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks for investors is keeping abreast of specific financial information and economic trends in a time-efficient manner. Web sites offer a tremendous amount of information that today's busy healthcare...

Are you a center of influence? (Career Development).
March 1, 2003... We all know people who are listened to with rapt attention whenever they speak. I am not talking about individuals who demand our attention because they are our superiors. I am talking about people whom we want to listen to, learn from, and...

Achieving operating room efficiency through process integration.
March 1, 2003... Synopsis As healthcare organizations look for ways to gain new efficiencies and reduce costs, they are examining surgical services with a critical eye. In many cases, the operating room (OR) was not included in enterprisewide reengineering...

Redlands Community Hospital. (People).(Sabi Dadabhai becomes vice president and CFO)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Sabi Dadabhai, CPA (Southern California Chapter), has been named vice president and CFO, Redlands Community Hospital, Redlands, Calif. Previously, he was acting CFO, Beverly Hospital, Montebello, Calif.

GE Healthcare Financial Services. (People).(Flint Besecker becomes managing director and group head strategic relations)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Flint Besecker, CPA (Western New York Chapter), has been appointed managing director and group head strategic relationships, GE Healthcare Financial Services, Orchard Park, N.Y. Formerly, he was vice president, Healthcare Analysis3 Corporation,...

Multi-Source, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. (People).(Kevin C. Price becomes vice president)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Kevin C. Price (Virginia Chapter) has been appointed vice president, Multi-Source, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, Glen Allen, Va. Formerly, he was assistant vice president, The Reciprocal Group, Glen Allen.

Genesis Health System. (People).(Johnny S. Tureaud becomes director of shared business services)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Johnny S. Tureaud (Iowa Chapter) has jointed Genesis Health System as director of shared business services, Bettendorf, Iowa. Formerly, he was director of revenue systems management and associate corporate responsibility manager, Mercy Medical...

Eskaton, Carmichael. (People).(Brian R. Uhlir becomes CFO)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Brian R. Uhlir (Northern California Chapter) has been appointed CFO, Eskaton, Carmichael, Calif. Previously, he was CFO, senior vice president, Elder Care Alliance, Oakland, Calif.

Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center. (People).(Catherine A. Jacobson becomes senior vice president and CFO and treasurer)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Catherine A. Jacobson, CPA (First Illinois Chapter), has been appointed senior vice president and CFO and treasurer, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke'' Medical Center, Chicago. She had been associate vice president, program evaluation, assistant to...

Kids Care of Michigan. (People).(Elizabeth A. Stevenson becomes contract administrator)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Elizabeth A. Stevenson (Eastern Michigan Chapter) has joined Kids Care of Michigan, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., as contract administrator. Previously, she was director, provider network information, HealthPlus of Michigan, Flint,...

Quorum Health Resources. (People).(Scott W. Towle becomes associate vice president)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Scott W. Towle (Maine Chapter) has been appointed associate vice president, Quorum Health Resources, Bangor, Maine. Previously, he was CFO, Littleton Regional Hospital, Littleton, N.H.

JPS Health Network. (People).(Kristin Jenkins is a winner of the 2002 Up and Comers award)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Kristin Jenkins, FHFMA (Lone Star Chapter), district compliance officer, JPS Health Network, Forth Worth, Tex., is one of the winners of the 2002 Up and Comers award sponsored by Modern Healthcare and Witt/Kieffer.

Deloitte & Touche, LLP. (People).(Tim Rogers becomes senior audit manager)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Tim Rogers, CPA (North Carolina Chapter), has joined Deloitte & Touche, LLP, Charlotte, N.C., as senior audit manager. Previously he was experienced audit manager, Arthur Andersen, LLP Charlotte.

Public Counsel. (People).(Timothy P. Blanchard is named "Outstanding Advocate" in the Community Development Project)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Timothy P. Blanchard, FHFMA (Southern California Chapter), has been honored by Public Counsel, the largest pro bono law office in the United States, as the organization's "Outstanding Advocate" in Public Counsel's Community Development Project...

Scott R. Hawig (North Carolina Chapter) has joined Deloitte & Touche, LLP, Charlotte, N.C., as healthcare audit and advisory manager. (People).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Scott R. Hawig (North Carolina Chapter) has joined Deloitte & Touche, LLP, Charlotte, N.C., as healthcare audit and advisory manager. He had been healthcare audit and advisory manager, Arthur Andersen, LLP Charlotte.

InSight Health. (People).(Tammy M. Morita becomes vice president, financial operations and analysis at Rancho Santa Margarita, California)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Tammy M. Morita (Southern California Chapter) has been appointed vice president, financial operations and analysis, InSight Health, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. Formerly, she was vice president, treasury management, InSight Health, Newport...

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. (People).(Stephen R. Nash becomes COO)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Stephen R. Nash, FHFMA (New Jersey Chapter), has been appointed COO, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey New Brunswick, NJ. Formerly, he was vice president, CEO, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.

Medica. (People).(Candace A. Peterson becomes senior financial analyst in provider analysis)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Candace A. Peterson, CPA (Minnesota Chapter), has been named senior financial analyst in provider analysis, Medica, Minneapolis. She had been senior reimbursement analyst, Allina Hospitals and Clinics, Minneapolis.

Kaiser Permanente's Northwest Region. (People).(Marcus C. Mundy becomes president, regional compliance officer)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Marcus C. Mundy (Oregon Chapter) has been appointed vice president, regional compliance officer, Kaiser Permanente's Northwest Region, Portland, Oreg. Formerly he was manager, healthcare advisory services, KPMG, LLP, Portland.

Are you tracking medication-related incidents? (Data Trends).
March 1, 2003... Hospital managers rely on timely and complete incident reports to identify areas for performance improvement and to provide information that might be needed to defend their organizations in the event of litigation. While the severity of...

Crossing the quality Chasm: A New Healthcare System for the 21st Century. (Bookshelf).(Book Review)
March 1, 2003... Institute of Medicine National Academy Press Washington, D.C., 2001 323 pages; $44.95 (hardcover) Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century offers an excellent road map for improving patient quality and safety...

Medicine and Business: Bridging the Gap. (Bookshelf).(Book Review)
March 1, 2003... Sheldon Rovin, Editor Jones and Bartlett Publishing Sudbury, Mass., 2001 312 pages; $72.95 Medicine and Business: Bridging the Gap provides an overview of healthcare financial management principles for physicians and other clinically...