Educational Sessions
Wednesday, July 18
Pre-Conference |
Part I 801: Fundamentals of Healthcare Financial Management
9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
This program provides an introduction to the basics for financial management for home care and hospice providers. Whether a rookie or a veteran, this program will establish or refresh your financial management foundation. With this program, attendees will gain an understanding of the healthcare industry from the perspective of both providers and payers. Beginning with such elementary matters as a glossary of terms and acronyms that deluge healthcare financial managers, the program will focus on how third-party payers, including managed care, affect the economic operations of healthcare providers and the latest developments on payment and financing systems.
Objectives
1. Identify the basic financial elements of the healthcare industry.
2. Describe the major issues affecting healthcare and the potential impact of those issues on home care and hospice.
3. Recognize the varied benefit and payment systems and their effect on the financial status of home care and hospice providers.
4. Identify the financial indicators that must be understood in making operational decisions.
Faculty: Vern Peterschmidt, President, Peterschmidt & Associates, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Steve Peterschmidt, COO, Family Home Health Care, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Course Level: Basic 3.0 Nurse CEs; 3.0 Accounting CPEs (NASBA/FIN).
Part 2 802: Home Health Agency Medicare Cost Report Preparation
1 p.m.- 3 p.m.
If you must submit a Medicare cost report, you might as well just do it right. Analysis of existing filed Medicare home health cost reports indicates that their accuracy is in doubt. Nevertheless, Congress and the Administration continue to make payment-rate judgments based upon cost report data. Additionally, providers of home health services utilize cost report-related benchmarks in making management and operations decisions. This program offers a top-to-bottom tutorial on proper preparation of a Medicare cost report for home health agencies. While primarily directed towards newcomers to home health, the program offers substantial value to those veterans who have forgotten most of what they've known about cost reporting since the onset of prospective payment.
Objectives:
1. Describe the purpose of the Cost Report.
2. Site Medicare cost calculation methodologies in reimbursable and non-reimbursable
cost centers.
3. Identify sources of information to complete the cost report worksheets.
4. Identify the financial outcomes reflected
in the cost report that will have an affect
on operations.
Faculty: Thomas E. Boyd, Principal, Boyd & Nicholas, Inc., Rohnert Park, California.
Course Level: Basic 3.0 Nursing CEs; 2.0 CPEs (NASBA/RE). |
General Session
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
901. National Update
This traditional opening of the Annual Financial Management Conference provides an up-to-the-minute analysis of the issues affecting home care and hospice in Congress, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and beyond. In 2007, with a significantly-altered Congress, the early initiation of the Presidential election campaign, and the rise of health care as a political and policy issue, this session provides the best insight as to what impact this will all have on home care and hospice. While legislative activity in Washington is always hot, 2007 also promises to be a very active year for new rules and regulations affecting the original Medicare program, as well as Medicare Advantage. This session offers a clear forecast of what Congress and the Administration plans for home care and hospice.
Objectives:
1. Identify current legislative issues affecting home care and hospice.
2. Identify current regulatory issues affecting home care and hospice.
3. Explain the prognosis for legislative and
regulatory action in 2007.
Faculty: Val J. Halamandaris, President, National Association for Home Care & Hospice, Washington, D.C.; William A. Dombi, Vice President for Law, National Association for Home Care & Hospice; Home Care and Hospice Financial Managers Association, Washington, D.C.
Medicare HHPPS: Refinement or Reform?
2007 is the year in which Medicare makes its first significant changes in the home health prospective payment system (HHPPS). Since October 2000, Medicare HHPPS has been a predictable and successful method of providing reimbursement for home health services. The expected 2007 changes refine parts of this reimbursement methodology while significantly reforming others. This session provides an in-depth focus as to the plans for the new HHPPS
to take effect January 1, 2008.
Objectives:
1. Explain specific elements of the regulatory changes in Medicare home health prospective payment system.
2. Identify geographic and service areas that
may experience the greatest impact from the new rule.
3. Describe implementation issues facing
Medicare, home care providers and support services to home care.
Faculty: William A. Dombi, Vice President for Law, National Association for Home Care & Hospice; Home Car and Hospice Financial Managers Association, Washington, D.C .
Course Level: Intermediate; 1.0 Nurse CEs; 1.0 Accounting CPEs (NASBA/RE)
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of home health reimbursement system
Thursday, July 19
General Session
9:15 a.m. to 10:55 a.m.
902. HHFMA Leadership Panel
The diverse world of home care and hospice comes together to offer perspectives on the current status of community-based care and the future facing providers of these services. Leaders of small and large organizations, along with representatives from supporting consultant interests such as technology, marketing, and business arrangements, interact with each other and the audience to make this annual session one of the conference highlights.
Faculty: Moderator--William J. Simione, Jr. Chair, Home Care and Hospice Financial Management Association, Managing Principal, Simione Consultants, Hamden, Connecticut: Panelists (invited)-John Indest, LHC Group: William Borne, Amedisys; Donna Gouveia, Visiting Nurse Service of Greater Rhode Island: Marcia Reissig, Sutter Home Care; Mark Francis, Houlihan Lokey: Michael Ferris, Home Care and Hospice Marketing Solutions: Representative of the Home Care and Hospice Technology Association of America.
Course Level: Intermediate; 1.6 Nurse CEs; 2.0
Accounting CPEs (NASBA/RE).
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of financial management for home care/hospice.
Concurrent Workshops
11:30 a.m. to 1:10 p.m.
101. Working with Medicare Advantage Plans: Understanding the Advantages
Throughout the country, enrollment in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans is increasing. At this point, many home health agencies must decide whether to get in or stay in the MA game. This program offers essential information about the changing makeup of MA plans, the standards they must operate under relative to the provision of home health services and strategies on how to make a relationship with Medicare Advantage successful for all parties. Risk or opportunity, the choice is yours in dealing with MA plans.
Objectives:
1. Identify enrollment trends in Medicare Advantage plans.
2. Explain the distinctions in the types of plans in the MA program and how home health services fits in to each.
3. Describe strategies for developing successful relationships with MA plans.
Faculty: Walt Borginis, CFO, VNA of Philadelphia,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; William A. Dombi, Vice President for Law, National Association for Home Care and Hospice, Washington, D.C.
Course Level: Intermediate; 1.6 Nurse CEs; 2.0
Accounting CPEs (NASBA/RE).
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of Medicare regulations and managed care organizations.
102. Best Practices to Secure Cost Savings
To achieve financial success in home care and hospice, the most important elements are revenue and costs. With limited opportunities to increase revenue through higher prices, home care and hospice providers must rely upon the ability to achieve cost efficiencies. This panel presentation, involving provider and consulting experts reflecting the home care and hospice community, will explore proven approaches for reducing costs and improving operational efficiencies. The insights gained from this session are virtually guaranteed to save you money.
Objectives:
1. Identify cost areas most susceptible to
improvement.
2. Describe strategies to secure cost savings without sacrificing quality.
3. Explain methods for assessing the cost benefit of efficiency measures.
Faculty: Moderator-Chris Attaya, Interim President, Partners Home Care, Waltham, MA: Faculty-H. Kenneth McNulty, CFO, Visiting Nurse Association of Boston, Charlestown, MA; Lynn Roberts, Finance Manager, Roper St. Francis Home Health, Charleston, SC; Frank Feizkhah, Director of Finance, Baptist Trinity Home Care & Hospice, Memphis, TN; F. Edward Nicolas, J., CFO, Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut, Bridgeport, CT.
Course Level: Intermediate; 1.6 Nurse CEs; 2.0
Accounting CPEs (NASBA/SKA).
Pre-requisite: basic knowledge of financial management in home care/hospice.
Lunch
Concurrent Workshops
2:15 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.
201. The State of Home Care Technology
Technology's contribution to home care and hospice continues to grow - in the back office, care planning, and direct service in patients' homes. An expert technology panel will bring attendees to the cutting edge, setting out what is available today and what is coming in the near future.
Objectives
1. Identify the expanding uses of technology in home care.
2. Describe expected advancements that are
in development.
3. Recognize the value technology can bring into home care and hospice operations.
Faculty: Moderator--Suzanne Splendoria, Simione Consultants, Hamden, CT; Panelists: Representatives from Home Care and Hospice Technology Association of America.
Course Level: Intermediate; 1.6 Nurse CEs; 2.0 Accounting CPEs (NASBA/SEBUS).
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of technology specific to home care/hospice operations.
202. Hospice Financial Management
With the unabated growth in hospice services across the country, the financial management of these programs has become more sophisticated and complex. From the integration of numerous lines of hospice
related business to the myriad of financial and business relationships involving hospices, a new age of financial management has arisen. This program evaluates today's hospice financial management needs and advances the strategies necessary to maintain control over a provider's financial status.
Objectives:
1. Identify current financial management structures in use in hospice.
2. Describe areas where financial data is essential.
3. Explain strategies for incorporating successful financial management into the full operations of a hospice.
Faculty: Robert Simione, Principal, Simione Consultants, Hamden, CT: Hospice provider representative.
Course Level: Intermediate; 1.6 Nurse CEs; 2.0 Accounting CPEs (NASBA/FIN).
Concurrent Workshops
4:10 p.m. to 5 p.m.
301. Benchmarking Dashboards: Heading in the Right Direction
The world of home care and hospice has been flooded with new "information" derived from endless inputs of raw data into analytical formats. However, what in the explosion of data is useful information that will help guide your business to success? This program focuses on the essential components to any benchmarking effort in home care. This program presents what matters and how to use it in the most effective way. Information, not data, is what makes a difference.
Objectives:
1. Identify essential components of benchmarking dashboards.
2. Describe sources of data for development of agency or program-specific benchmarks.
3. Explain how to turn data into information
and action.
Faculty: David W. Stasiewicz, CFO, Addus Healthcare, Inc., Palatine, IL.: Mark Sharp, Partner, BKD, Ltd., Springfield, MO.
Course Level: Intermediate; 1.0 Accounting CPE (NASBA).
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of data management for improving performance.
302. Mergers and Acquisitions: Is the Time Right for You?
There has seldom been a more active time in the home care and hospice market place. What are the deals that are being made and why may they matter to you? Should you consider expansion of your operation or
the sale to another party? This workshop gives you insights into the state of mergers and acquisitions.
Objectives:
1. Identify the nature and depth of home care mergers and acquisitions in 2006 and 2007.
2. Describe the factors that are leading the way in the marketplace and the direction of trends.
3. Explain what matters in understanding the value of a home care or hospice provider.
Faculty: Dexter W. Braff, The Braff Group, Pittsburgh, PA .
Course Level: Intermediate; 1.0 Accounting CPE (NASBA/SKA).
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of Business Evaluation.
Concurrent Workshops
5:10 p.m. to 6 p.m.
401. Financial Reporting: Are You Doing It Right?
Do you use strategic financial planning, reporting and ratio analysis to develop, manage and assist in financial decision-making in your organization? If not, this program is a "must attend" session. If you do, this program will help you sharpen your game.
Objectives:
1. Describe how to use budget reporting tools to improve your financial outcomes - review on a regular basis.
2. Identify current reporting practices.
3. Explain how to utilize the information
obtained in your financial reports and to make them more effective and understandable.
4. Develop key indicators, gross profit factors and ratio analysis to manage and advance financial decision making.
Faculty: Pat Laff, Laff Associates, Hilton Head, SC : provider representative.
Course Level: Intermediate; 1.0 CPE (NASBA/ACCTG).
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of financial reporting principles.
402. Strategic Planning: Embracing New Opportunities
Action driven by intuition can achieve some tremendous successes. However, a deliberative process involving strategic planning maximizes the likelihood that a multi-faceted organization will achieve its goals in developing and implementing new opportunities. This program delivers guidance on home care-specific processes for effective strategic planning.
Objectives:
1. Identify appropriate steps for effective strategic planning.
2. Recognize the impact of undertaking new opportunities through the strategic planning analysis.
3 Explain the importance of strategic planning follow-through for successful plan implementation.
Faculty: John Richter, Principal-in-Charge, LarsonAllen, Charlotte, N.C.
Course Level: Basic; 1.0 CPE (NASBA/SEBUS).
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of strategic planning process.
Friday, July 20
Concurrent Workshops
9 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.
501. Recruitment and Retention: Where Does the Financial Manager Fit Into This Effort?
The most important asset of any home care and hospice organization is its staff. Confident, well-qualified staff is the root cause of many successes. This program provides a discussion and analysis of creative alternatives home care and hospice companies are using to recruit and retain the best staff. Compensation methods, benefit packages, work weeks and effective recruitment processes are addressed.
Objectives:
1. Identify compensation and benefit options in use to recruit and retain staff.
2. Explain the financial manager's role in evaluating compensation and benefit packages within the scope of the organization's financial status.
3. Describe recruiting alternatives used to attract home care and hospice staff.
Faculty: Pat Laff, Laff Associates, Hilton Head, S.C.
Course Level: Intermediate 1.6 Nursing CEs; 2.0 CPEs (NASBA/PHR).
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of human resources management.
502. Compliance: A Continuing Responsibility
Compliance brings stability and security to home care and hospice organizations. It is not a simple task, nor does it come without a cost. Return on a compliance investment is truly known only after a crisis is avoided or averted. In 2007, the compliance challenges continue. This workshop offers strategies for achieving compliance with efficiency and effectiveness.
Objectives:
1. Identify significant risk areas in home care and hospice business activities.
2. Describe effective processes to achieve and maintain compliance.
3. Identify adverse consequences stemming from ineffective compliance efforts.
Faculty: Gary Massey, Principal, LarsonAllen, Charlotte, N.C.; Denise Bonn, Deputy Director, Center for Health Care Law, National Association for Home Care & Hospice, Washington, D.C.
Course Level: Intermediate 1.6 Nursing CEs; 2.0 CPEs (NASBA/RE).
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of regulatory/ethics regulations for home care/hospice.
Concurrent Workshops
11 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.
601. Establishing Budgets and Tracking Costs
Advanced budgeting concepts can effec tively drive your organization to financial success. Concurrently, proper recognition of costs is an essential tool in achieving the financial outcomes of an organization. This program addresses modern budgeting concepts and sophisticated methods for recognition of true costs. It may sound like meat and potatoes, but these advanced basics create a solid foundation for an organization.
Objectives:
1. Identify the key drivers of operating budgets and the impact they have on budget outcomes.
2. Compare capital budgeting concepts and determine best practices.
3. Explain processes for real costing for home care and hospice services.
Faculty: Donna Gouveia, CFO, Visiting Nurse Service of Greater Rhode Island, Lincoln, RI: David R. Elwell, CPA, Mountain Lake Terrace, WA.
Course Level: Intermediate 1.6 Nursing CEs; 2.0 CPEs (NASBA/FIN).
Pre-requisite: basic knowledge of financial principles for budgets and tracking costs.
602. Sharpening Your Negotiation Skills
The business of home care and hospice includes continual negotiations. Whether involving staff compensation, the purchase of an information technology system, or establishing the agreed-upon price for a sale of services to a managed care organization, every day brings another round of negotiations. Successful negotiation comes through skill rather than coincidence. This program provides essential direction on how you can sharpen your negotiation skills.
Objectives:
1. Describe various methods of negotiation.
2. Identify essential elements to successful
negotiation.
3. Develop a negotiation improvement plan.
Faculty: TBD.
Course Level: Intermediate 1.6 Nursing CEs; 2.0 Accounting CPEs (NASBA/C).
Pre-requisites: Basic knowledge and skill in business negotiations.
Lunch
12:50 to 1:40 p.m.
General Session
1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
903. Open Financial Manager's Forum
This traditional conclusion to the annual Financial Management Conference is the open, no-holds barred forum meeting. At this session, the attendees are the faculty with any issue discussed at the earlier programs or any other issues open for discus sion. It is a great opportunity for attendees to share their insights, gain the advice of the nations best consultants, and find out how their colleagues are addressing concerns. It is a terrific way to provide input on the priorities of NAHC and HHFMA .
Moderator: William A. Dombi, Vice President for Law, National Association for Home Care & Hospice: Director, Home Care and Hospice Financial Management Association, Washington, D.C.
No continuing education credit for this session.
|
