Fall 2013 Issue of Horizons

Electronic Health Records Significant incentives for Electronic Health Records (EHR) have occurred over the last few years, although “the jury is still out” for many practices as to the net benefit of implementing the EHR process. Part of the concern over EHR is that all systems do not communicate with each other. As a result, non-hospital physician practices do not have real-time access to all patient information. This lack of real-time access has led to arrangements between hospital and physician practices that are not a purchased practice, but one that has a formal agreement between the entities. The idea is to add efficiencies to the system that has largely been inefficient in the past. Again, it may be too early to judge if these arrangements will work, or if new service models will develop.

in one service model and provides incentives to these groups based on quality measures.

The ACO concept was part of the new health law and more than 100 ACOs have been formed under the Accountable Care Act to serve Medicare beneficiaries. Some reports state that payments made under ACOs will double in the next five years, although

recently some firms have considered dropping out of the ACO structure.

Since ACOs are so new, much will evolve over the next few years, but it seems as if physicians and hospitals should at least research this service model as a possibility.

An Uncertain Future The last ten years have been difficult for healthcare providers primarily because of the ever-changing legal and regulatory environment. Medical practices have done their best to adapt by exploring many alternatives. The next ten years will probably be at least as challenging as the last ten with new service models evolving and the continued array of government incentives. Healthcare providers need to explore all options so they are not left behind.

Accountant Care Organization One new service model that has developed is the Accountant Care Organization (ACO). This model unites physicians, hospitals and insurers

RubinBrown’s Professional Services Group Specializing in law firms, architects, engineers and healthcare practices, we have expertise in the accounting and tax requirements needed by services firms.

Ken Rubin, CPA – St. Louis Partner-In-Charge Professional Services Group 314.290.3417 ken.rubin@rubinbrown.com

Mary Ramm, CPA – Kansas City Partner Professional Services Group 913.499.4406 mary.ramm@rubinbrown.com

Don Esstman, CPA – Denver Partner Professional Services Group 303.952.1284 don.esstman@rubinbrown.com

Matt Finke, CPA – St. Louis Manager-In-Charge Law Firms Services Group 314.290.3365 matt.finke@rubinbrown.com

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