LAS VEGAS – Conference planners for this year’s ANI mapped out topics and speakers several months ago, looking ahead to what might be hot topics when the conference doors open.
On many counts, planners scored well in foreseeing trends that would be on the top of the minds of those looking for guidance on today’s hottest healthcare finance topics.
For example, planners were able to see that the looming subprime mortgage crisis would have a profound effect on borrowing by healthcare organizations.
On Tuesday, June 24, a session titled “What’s New With Healthcare Financing Trends: Debt and Swap Products” will bring attendees up to date on financing trends. Speakers include Andrew J. Majka and Eric Jorhahl, both of Kaufman, Hall and Associates.
On Wednesday, June 25, a session is aimed at looking at financing from the small hospital perspective. “Upswings, Downturns, Yield Curves and You: Small Hospital Financing" will be led by Tanya Hahn and Thomas R. Green of Lancaster Pollard.
A session titled “Safeguarding Long-term Health of Tax-exempt Bonds” will help those attending the Tuesday session with some of the changes surrounding bonds, particularly related to increased requirements on Form 990, as outlined by the Internal Revenue Service for filing in 2009. Speakers include Gregory A. Ischel and Thomas J. Hogan or Grant Thornton LLP, and Kelly Farmer of the University of Minnesota.
On the topic of the new Form 990, Mary Rauschenberg of Deloitte Tax LLP will discuss on Wednesday, June 25, the various nuances that providers must know about and the actions they must take this year to be ready to file the form next year.
Healthcare financial managers also are paying increased attention to nuances surrounding contracting, as payers get more aggressive in negotiating terms that are advantageous to them, particularly as companies operating health plans are seeing margins shrink and pressures rise from purchasers of care services.
A breakout session on Tuesday, June 24, will discuss possibilities for applying legislative leverage to managed care contracting. Speaking at the session is Ellen E. Stewart, a partner at Berenbaum, Weinsshienk and Eason.
Also that day, a session titled “Beyond the Managed Care Contract: Working as a Team to Maximize Productivity and Hit the Bottom Line,” will discuss ways that organizations can improve performance among managed care team members.
Hospitals also are under the gun to improve documentation and capture of services so they can include them on bills and receive reimbursement.
A peer review session on Tuesday will look at a practical approach to continuous charge capture improvement. Speakers will include Kathy Lytal of Parkview Health, and Kelly Blair of Craneware’s business solutions group.
Going to the 2008 HFMA ANI? Let us know what session you plan to attend and why. Email us at editor@healthcarefinancenews.com.