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News Archive
Our news covers industry topics relevant to physicians and medical groups.
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 Health Care Spending to Reach 49 Percent of GDP
by Joe White
In a January 2008 report, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that unless there is an unprecedented change in the long-term trend, health care spending will continue to significantly grow as a share of GDP over the coming decades. More
 Health Care Organizations Under Renewed Audit Scrutiny
by Randy Romes
Hackers and organized crime groups are targeting health care executives in the hopes of gaining access to personal information. More
SAS 104-111: Preparing for Your Auditors Can Minimize Fee Increases
Eight new risk assessment standards (SAS 104-111) go into effect for financial statement audit periods beginning on or after December 15, 2006. The new standards widely expand and change the audit process for privately-held entities. Are you prepared for your auditors? It’s not too late to begin preparing for June year-end audits. More
Are You Accurately Coding Medicare SNF RUG Claims?
Based on 2006 research that suggested Medicare had significantly overpaid skilled nursing facility (SNF) Resource Utilization Groups’ (RUGs) claims, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is focusing on coding accuracy to prevent overpayment. It is critical your medical records support the care you are delivering. More
Weak Collection and Bad Debt Policies Could Result in Medicare Denials
To avoid Medicare bad debt denials, health care organizations should review their bad debt policies to ensure they are abiding by the regulations outlined in the Medicare Provider Reimbursement Manual. More
Strengthen Your Security Strategy Prior to Onset of HIPAA Regulators
To address threats to health care data and information system vulnerabilities, the government is gearing up to conduct HIPAA security audits in 2008. How would your hospital hold up if audited or attacked by criminals? Don’t wait to find out. More
Audit Committees' Responsibility for Managing Risk
Learn about the increasing risk management responsibilities of audit committees, potential consequences of ineffective risk management programs, and training for nonprofit audit and compliance committee members, boards, CEOs, and CFOs.
OIG Work Plan Reveals Targeted Risk Areas for 2008
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) have issued the OIG Work Plan for fiscal year 2008. Health care organizations participating in federally funded programs should dissect the plan to determine their compliance in the targeted areas for audits, evaluations, and inspections. More
Despite CMS Instructions, Submit Medicare Part B Claims as Usual
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are instructing health care providers to hold claims for the first 10 business days of July, for services dated after July 1. Congress’ delay on the Medicare fee schedule issue has led to this suggested hold. Continue submitting claims to carriers. More
Don’t Delay: Tamper-Resistant Prescription Pads Mandatory on April 1
The adjusted effective date for implementing tamper-resistant prescription pads is fast approaching. On April 1, 2008 physicians and pharmacists will be required by law to either use electronic prescriptions or tamper-resistant prescription pads for Medicaid patients. More
LarsonAllen Committed to Serving Midwestern Physicians
Molly Weldon, manager, has joined LarsonAllen to serve physician practices and medical groups in the Midwest. Based in St. Louis, she specializes in practice management, human resources, staffing, clinical protocol, hospital-based practices, new practice start-ups, and merging new physicians and practices into existing medical groups. More
Member Exchange Helps Practices Cope with Industry Pressures
Non-competing radiology groups and imaging centers have formed an alliance to help each other improve performance and respond to marketplace challenges. This group, the Member Exchange Community Alliance (MECA), is organized through the Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA). More
When Should Health Care Transactions be at Fair Market Value?
Whenever anything of value is exchanged among health care providers or between a nonprofit organization and a third party (a person or a business), the value of the exchange may need to be at fair market value or the parties could face civil or even criminal penalties. More
2006 Annual Minnesota Dental Survey Published
For the 12th year, LarsonAllen conducted the Annual Minnesota Dental Survey on dental fees and staff salaries. This survey can play a critical role in providing comparative data for benchmarking your practice with similar practices, while also presenting a better understanding of your own operations.
If you participated in the 2006 survey, but have not yet received your results, please contact us.
Does Your Business Office Maximize its Billing and Collections Income Streams?
If your practice is producing less than expected financial results, your business office may need help!
Access our Assessment Tool to determine if your practice may be missing efficiency opportunities.
Principal Receives Highest Distinction from the ACMPE
Curtis A. Mayse, principal, has achieved Fellow status in the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). This is the highest distinction a medical practice management professional can receive from the ACMPE, the standard-setting and certification organization of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). Read the press release.
An IPPE Breakdown for Outpatient Providers
The Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE), also know as the "Welcome to Medicare" exam, is the first preventive physical exam to be covered by Medicare. Learn about coverage, payment, the exam elements, coding, diagnosis, and reimbursement in the bulletin and presentation.
Physicians Becoming More Active in Leadership Roles
For cost-effective operation of the US health sector, physician leadership in clinics, group practices, hospitals and health plans is increasingly important—such as serving on hospital boards. Read a recent article published in EFFECT, Fall 2005, and a study showing the global trend, published by the Cambridge International Health Leadership Programme in Cambridge, England.
From Concept to Creation: Starting, Relocating and Building a Practice
A physician decided to separate from a thriving orthopedic practice and move 200 miles away to begin his own practice. Our client's needs were multi-dimensional, and we determined that there were a wide variety of factors critical for the success of the new organization. Download a PDF of the full case study.
In Less Than A Year, Established Plastic Surgery Practice Significantly Improves Profitability
Concerned about the state of the growing practice and its wholly-owned ASC including, the lack of operational improvement, financial viability and the tide of employee turnover, our client requested assistance. They desired to develop a comprehensive set of patient-centered processes designed to create efficiency, effectiveness and measurable long-term success. Download a PDF of the full case study.
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