Fall Issue

October 2014



The Maine Chapter of HFMA is continuing its newsletter contest!   

Congratulations to Melinda Bartlett from 
Waldo County General Hospital on winning the 
July newsletter contest! 

(For contest details, check out the right panel below) 
 

Message from the President

  

I hope everyone had a great summer.  I am amazed that summer is over and we'll be setting our clocks back this weekend.  During this time, the Maine Chapter of HFMA has been very busy.

 

In September, the Chapter once again held its Annual Meeting at Hollywood Casino in Bangor.  As our keynote speaker, we welcomed Kari Cornicelli, FHFMA, CPA and 2014-2015 HFMA National Chair.  Kari installed the current year chapter officers and discussed her theme of Leading the Change.  Kari explained that as health care finance professionals, we have a wealth of opportunities to lead the change taking place in American health care.  The event also included several national speakers providing insight on the latest in healthcare.  Motivational speaker Jonathan Fanning captured the audience with his presentation "Who Are You Becoming as a Leader & Developing Emotional Intelligence."

 

In addition, the Chapter's MaineCare Update program was held in October.  Registration is currently open for the Physician Practice Management program on November 14th in Augusta.  Be on the lookout for the Medicare Reimbursement program registration in upcoming days.   Our education calendar for the year has been updated with all program topics, locations and dates.  Please check out our scheduled programs on the Maine HFMA website at

  

In September, President-Elect Jim Pacheco and I had the opportunity to attend the Regional Fall President's Meeting in Chicago.  This three day event provided a forum for leadership from each chapter and representatives from HFMA National to work together; sharing our successes and struggles and learning from the ideas and experiences of each other.  We also discussed the Region 1 Annual Conference which will again feature a Leadership track.  In addition to the traditional Revenue Cycle and Payment & Reimbursement tracks, the third Leaderhship track, , will focus on innovative approaches to the Triple Aim in Healthcare: Population Health,  Quality and Lower Cost.  Make sure to mark your calendars for May 20th and 21st for what is sure to be another great event at Mohegan Sun.

 

You should have recently received the Chapter Membership Satisfaction Survey.  The survey is conducted by the National HFMA office but is very important to our local Chapter leadership.    It is my hope that some of the changes implemented have addressed feedback received in prior surveys, whether it be new event locations, speakers or topics.  While our goal is that you are all very or extremely satisfied, as chapter leaders we want to know what works and what doesn't.  I encourage you to take a moment to provide feedback on the operation of our Chapter.  It is your input and suggestions that make our Chapter successful and ensure that you receive the most value from your HFMA membership.

 

Lastly, I would like to thank our members, our sponsors, and our chapter volunteers for all that they do.  Our chapter truly can't be successful without you.  As always, we appreciate your continued support of the chapter and look forward to seeing you at education sessions.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (207) 791-7548.

 

Sincerely,


 

Denis Houle

President Maine Chapter HFMA

Featured Article

You and Your 340B Program: Are You Compliant or Confused?

 

by Venson Wallin and Bill Bithoney, MD, The BDO Center for Healthcare Excellence and Innovation

 

What is the 340B program?

 

The 340B program is a means through which providers, known as "covered entities," can offer pharmaceuticals to a greater amount of eligible patients than they could at traditional manufacturer pricing. This is because the program requires that manufacturers sell the drugs to the eligible providers at a discount, thereby enabling a larger number of those in need to get the assistance they need with purchasing their prescriptions. The 340B program is very popular for this very reason; covered entities are able to purchase drug supplies at the 340B discounted price, and then bill the patient's insurance company the traditional rate. This "margin" generates much needed profit for some of the more income-challenged providers, while having minimal impact on the Medicare and Medicaid program costs. The patient wins, the provider wins, and the government programs win. Providers understand the upside, and annual 340B drug spending by covered entities exceeds six billion dollars and approximately one-third of U.S. hospitals participate in the program. The spending and number of participating providers is forecast to increase significantly during the coming years. 

 

For Full Article Click Here

 

Is this The End for Hospital Charity Care?

 

Written by Ayla Ellison, Becker's Hospital CFO 

 

With subsidized health plans available and Medicaid expanding in 26 states, some hospitals are scaling back their charity care programs.

As a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more than 10.3 million have signed up for health plans through the exchanges, with more than 80 percent of new enrollees eligible for subsidized coverage. The reform law has also had a significant impact on enrollment in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, with 7.2 million enrollees since the passage of the PPACA. With all of the new opportunities for low- and-middle income people to gain health coverage, some hospitals and health systems are making significant changes to their charity care programs.


For Full Article Click Here
 

ACA Employer Mandate: Get Ready to Pay or Play by January 1, 2015

 

By Bill Enck, Senior Manager in BerryDunn's Employee Benefits Audit Group

 

What comes next under the Affordable Care Act?      

A year ago at this time, most people in the country watched with curiosity as the federal and state health care exchanges (Marketplaces) prepared to open for the first time. As we now know, the exchanges opened but not without issues.

This year, some employers are waiting anxiously to see if the employer mandate provisions (the "pay or play" penalties) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will take effect January 1, 2015, or if they will be delayed once again. At this point, it seems that the January 1, 2015, effective date will remain. This means that certain employers need to be preparing now.

  

Home and Community Based Services

 

by Brett C. Seekins, Senior Manager, Baker Newman Noyes

 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued a Federal Register earlier this year that is causing states concern.  The publication speaks to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), among many other issues.  Federal Register Vol. 79, No. 11 dated January 16, 2014 is a final rule addressing many Medicaid laws under which funding is available for HCBS programming.  The rule seeks to achieve balance in consumer outcomes that utilize this service, enhanced quality outcomes, assurances that consumers utilizing any of these services has a full access to the benefit in addition to clarifying where these services can be rendered.

  

Many of the provisions of this almost year old release are now making their way through DHHS offices around the country.  CMS has asked that states examine the HCBS programming that are provided in accordance with their State Plan and gap the policies governing them against the "new" regulations in place.  States should then score each program as being "compliant" or "non-compliant".  For programming that does not meet the standards set forth in the new regulations, States should offer a plan to achieve conformance within a five year period.


 
HFMA Certification Course a Success!  

In September, Maine Chapter of HFMA in collaboration with NH and Mass/RI/CT Chapters held a certification course in three locations. Over 50 people attended the classes.  
 
  

Attending of the September 11th Class in Portland, from left to right: Eric Walker, Christopher Stauder (Instructor), Greg Knight, Vickie Heath, Becky Barrows, Kathy Rose and Geanette Treadway

 

Medicare RAC 2013 results: 10 things to know
by Ayla Ellison, Becker's Hospital CFO 

 

The Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor program identified $3.75 billion in improper payments in fiscal year 2013, according to CMS' annual RAC report to Congress.

 

Here are 10 things to know about the 2013 results.

 

1. In FY 2013, recover audit contractors collected $3.65 billion in overpayments to physicians and hospitals, up $1.35 billion from the overpayments collected in 2012.

 

2. More than 94 percent of the overpayments identified in 2013 were from inpatient hospital claims, with many of the top overpayment determinations due to short-stay inpatient hospital admissions that auditors found to be not medically necessary.

 

To continue reading, click here 

New Member Spotlight

 

Name:  Rebecca Damon

Position: Reimbursement Accountant, Mount Desert Island Hospital 


BEACON:   In your mind, what's the best way to keep a competitive edge?

 

DAMONI think the best way to keep a competitive edge is to take advantage of as many educational opportunities as possible.  Healthcare today is changing at an incredible pace so there is always something new to learn.  Organizations such as the HFMA offer a variety of ways one can stay ahead.


 
BEACON: What do you like best about your job?

 

DAMON: What I like best about working at MDI Hospital is the large variety of projects I get to work on.  Each day I am presented with a new challenge and the opportunity to expand my skill set.  I work with a great team, and I know that I have the support of my coworkers and supervisors.

 

BEACON: What did you want to do when you were a kid?

 

DAMON: As a kid I had career goals ranging from genetic scientist to lawyer.  I didn't decide I wanted to be an accountant until I was in college.  It took only one accounting class to make up my mind.


 
BEACON: What is your passion in life?

 

DAMON: My passion in life is learning.  I always want to know more.  While there are many ways to expand your knowledge, my favorite resource is other people.  I will learn anything someone is willing to teach me.

 

BEACON: What is your favorite book/hobby?

 

DAMON:  I love to read, and have since I was a kid.  I can't say I have a favorite book, but my favorite genre is historical fiction.

  

Interviewed by Geanette Treadway, Southern Maine Healthcare

Maine Chapter of HFMA Recognizes Members for Thier Contribution to the Chapter

 

By Natasha Erb, Director of Finance, Franklin Memorial Hospital 

 

HFMA recognizes that its strength lies in volunteers, who contribute their time, ideas and energy to serve the healthcare industry and their profession. In 1960, HFMA established the Founders Merit Award program which acknowledges the contributions made by HFMA members. Awards are part of a merit-rating plan in which specific activities are assigned a range of point values for a variety of activities such as volunteering in a local chapter, writing an article, speaking at an educational event, mentoring a new member, etc.

 

The Awards are as follows:

 

The William G. Follmer Bronze Award - awarded to an individual who earns 25 member points. This award is named after William G. Follmer, who is credited with the creation of the American Association of Hospital Accountants (AAHA), now HFMA. 

 

The Robert H. Reeves Silver Award - awarded to an individual with 50 total member points.  Reeves, an organizing member of the AAHA, was elected president of AAHA in 1956 and was instrumental in creating the structure of AAHA.

 

The Frederick T. Muncie Gold Award - presented to an individual with 75 member points. This award honors Frederick T. Muncie, an organizing member of the AAHA, and the first president of the association (1947-1949).


 

During the annual meeting, Maine Chapter of HMFA recognized several members for their dedication and contribution to chapter's success.

 

 

Recipients of the William G. Follmer Bronze Award:

 

David Kennedy

Andrea Duquette


 
Recipient of the Robert H. Reeves Silver Award:

 

Chrissi Harding

Ellen Donahue

Raye Porter

 

Recipient of the Frederick T. Muncie Gold Award:

 

Natasha Erb

Anne Cloutier

Denis Houle


 
Maine Chapter of HFMA congratulates this year award recipients for this outstanding achievement and applauds their continuous active participation in HFMA. 

Update on The State of Maine Budget 

 

By David Winslow, MHA

 

The State's General Fund continues to run slightly ahead of budget for FY 2015, according to the Office of Fiscal and Program Review's monthly update.

 

The surplus is $10 million (+1.4%) through the first three months of the current fiscal year.  August receipts were below estimates, as expected, due to various timing issues, after July's receipts came in above budget.  While the total General Fund revenues collected were only modestly above the budgeted estimate, they were a full 10% above last year's collections.

 

To Continue Reading, Click Here 

CFO Spotlight - Carolyn Kasabian, CFO & Treasurer of St. Mary's Health System in Lewiston, Maine

Carolyn, as you will read, is an avid Red Sox Fan as well as a dedicated member of her community and a longtime supporter of the Health Care Financial Management Association of Maine.   As a very skilled and knowledgeable professional, Carolyn also contributes to the CFO Council of the Maine Hospital Association by participating is sub-committees that address multiple financial pressures in HealthCare today.   Below are perspectives from Carolyn with regard to Healthcare, HFMA and life in general.


 

BEACON:  What's new and exciting happening at your hospital?
KASABIAN:  St. Mary's is having a very transformative year in light of new volume realities, a challenging payer mix and the changes to control cost growth.


 

BEACON: What is it like to work in your hospital?
KASABIAN: St. Mary's has an outstanding culture of caring, collaboration and transparency. The culture and the talented people I work with makes me want to come in every morning even though I hold one of the more challenging positions in healthcare today.


BEACON:What are your hospital's biggest accomplishments in the past 24 months?

KASABIANSeveral examples of collaboration with Maine Health and their affiliates partnering in a variety of clinical areas.Gaining a significant reimbursement increase for our IP behavioral programs to improve their sustainability.Investments to improve our employees' health including the introduction of health coaching, healthier alternatives in our cafeteria and our new Market Street cafe and improvement to our on campus gym. 


BEACON: How long have you been in healthcare finance, and in what areas?
KASABIAN: I have been in healthcare finance for my entire career if you consider my five years in public accounting that provided a 75% healthcare audit client assignment and my 29 years at St. Mary's as the Director of Finance for 4 years and CFO for 25 years.


BEACON:What are some of your departmental and organizational goals for the upcoming year?
KASABIAN: We are implementing transformational strategies that will establish an operating platform that can be financially successful into the future.


BEACON:What are some of your personal priorities for your hospital this year?
KASABIAN: We are going live with a new HR/Payroll/Time and Attendance system later this month and we are focusing ways to see greater membership on the marketplace health exchange for our self-pay patients in 2015.

 

BEACON:  What is your business philosophy?

KASABIAN: Don't avoid making a decision, listening is key to understanding, always take the high road and our people are our greatest asset.
 

BEACON: In your mind, what's the best way to keep competitive edge?
KASABIANBeing flexible as an organization and

listening to your customers and employees.

BEACONWhat have you planned but not achieved in the past 24 months?

KASABIAN: We have not achieved our financial objectives. 
 

BEACON: What has been your toughest business decision in your career?
KASABIAN:  The toughest decisions have been the few times that it was necessary to downsize and people were directly affected.
 

BEACON: What do you like best/worst about your job?
KASABIAN: The best thing about my job is the people I work with and how interesting the areas/service lines can be to support from a financial point of view. The worst thing about my job is the mounting challenges that can at times seem overwhelming.
 

BEACON:What did you want to do when you were a kid?
KASABIAN:  I always loved math and thought a teacher would be my best option until I took my first accounting class.
 

BEACON:What's your pet peeve?
KASABIANI hate decimal places on financial reports


 

BEACON: What is your passion in life?
KASABIAN: I love lake boating or being at the beach and everything summer!
 

BEACON:What is your favorite book/hobby?
KASABIAN:  I really enjoy snowmobiling especially in the county and marina life in the summer!
 

BEACON: If you could meet anyone, who would it be?
KASABIAN:  Being a big Red Sox fan, I would have to say David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia because they seem to be awesome both on and off the field of play. 
 

BEACON: What is your favorite Maine Chapter of HFMA event?
KASABIAN:  I like the annual meeting because it is the best opportunity to network and socialize.


 

Submitted by:  Chrissi Maguire-Harding, VP Finance, CFO, MDI Hospital

In This Issue
340B Program: Compliant or Confused?
Is this The End of the Charity Care?
ACA Employer Mandate
Home and Community Based Services
Medicare RAC 2013 Results
New Member Spotlight
Members Awards
The Great State of Maine Budget Update
CFO Spotlight
eBeacon Contest
Thanks to Our Sponsors
New Members
Upcoming Events
Free Webinars
Newsletter Contest

The Maine Chapter of HFMA is continuing its newsletter contest!  
   

The National HFMA has announced a new theme for the upcoming year -

"Leading the Change".

  

As you read the newsletter, look for this logo:

 

 

 It could be ANYWHERE so make sure to click on the full article links as you search for the logo. Once you find it, send an e-mail with your name and the location of the logo to Natasha Erb at [email protected].

 

 You could win a $50 gift certificate to L.L. Bean!!

 

All entries must be submitted by November 14th. A winner will be drawn on November 17th, 2014.

 

  Happy reading! 


 

Thanks

To Our

Sponsors

GOLD SPONSORS

 

BNN

 BDM

e-management
maine recovery
Thomas agency
  

 

SILVER SPONSORS

 

DANA
BKD
 

BRONZE SPONSORS

 

Bangor

 

 

Welcome New Members!

 

Stephanie Stevens

Director of Accounting

Maine Medical Center


 

Barbara Martin

Patient Account Manager

Cary Medical Center

  

Ben Hayes

Financial Business Partner

Martins Point Health Care

 

Amanda Walker

Director Business Projects

EMHS

 

Lauralee Pearson

Operations Lead

Accretive Health

 

Mary Lacey

Supervisor of Financial Planning

Maine Medical Center

 

Arthur Blank

President/CEO

Mount Desert Island Hospital 

 

Miranda Hanscom 

Accountant

Penobscot Valley Hospital 

 

Gary Smith

Business Manager

Maine Nephrology Associates

 

Chris Coon

Director of Finance

Maine Medical Center

 

Dennis Welsh

Executive Vice President

C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital 

 

Amy Fowler

Financial Analyst

Acadia Hospital 


 

Upcoming Education Events
Save the Date

 

November 14, 2014

Physician Practice Management - Joint Session with MHA

MHA, Augusta


 

Medicare Cost Report & Reimbursement Symposium

Thursday December 4th - Friday December 5th
Marriot at Sable Oaks - South Portland

 

Hot Topics
Thursday, January 15, 2015

MHA, Augusta


 

Accounting Update
Friday, March 27, 2015
Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport

 

 

Region 1 Annual Meeting
May 20-21, 2015

Mohegan Sun Casino, CT

 

 

For complete list, visit our 

 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

FREE HFMA WEBINARS

 

 

October 16, 2014

Controlling Costly Physicians Preference Items

2:00 to 3:30 pm CST

  

 

October 23, 2014

An Integrated Approach to Enhancing Patient Satisfaction

2:00 to 3:30 pm CST

 

 

November 11, 2014

Reshaping the Physician Fee Schedule for Physician Services to Integrate Engagement and Payment

2:00 to 3:30 pm CST

    


 November 19, 2014

Dignity Health: The Making of a New Revenue Cycle Management Model 

2:00 to 3:30 pm CST


 

December 18, 2014

 2105 Final Rule Change to OPPS and ASC

2:00 to 3:30 pm CST


 

To access full list of educational webinars click here: http://www.hfma.org/webinars/

 

  
ME HFMA Newsletter Committee 

Natasha Erb, chair, 207-779-2284,  [email protected] 

 

Laurie Melanson, committee member, 

[email protected]

 

Stephanie Richio, committee member,

[email protected]

 

David Kennedy, committee member,

[email protected] 

 

Christina Maguire-Harding, committee member,

[email protected]

 

Next e-Beacon

January 2015
  

Did you miss a Beacon publication? Visit Maine Chapter of HFMA website to view past issues:

 

Past Newsletters

 

 

We are always looking for new ideas and content to improve our newsletter. If you would like to join the Newsletter Commitee or would like to submit comments or ideas, please contact Natasha Erb at