Essential Insights on Successful Physician Budgeting

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Avoiding Common Cash Flow Budget Mistakes

[By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA, CMP™]

[By Hope Rachel Hetico; RN, MHA, CMP™]

[Publisher-in-Chief and Managing Editor]dave-and-hope4

Although some doctors might view a budget as unnecessarily restrictive, sticking to a spending plan can be a useful tool in enhancing the wealth of a practice. We emphasize the keys to smart budgeting and how to track spending and savings in these tough economic times.

Money and Happiness

There is an aphorism that suggests, “Money cannot buy happiness.” Well, this may be true enough but there is also a corollary that states, “Having a little sure reduces the unhappiness.” Unfortunately, today there is more than a little financial unhappiness in all medical specialties; not just the specialty of podiatry – where this article first appeared as a free-lance writing project. The challenges range from the commoditization of medicine, aging demographics, Medicare reimbursement cutbacks and increased competition to floundering equity markets, the home mortgage crisis, the squeeze on credit and declines in the value of a practice. Few doctors seem immune to this “perfect storm” of economic woes.biz-book2

Most Doctors Financially Hurting Today

Far too many physicians, dentists and other medical providers are hurting and it is not limited to these above-average earning professionals. However, one can strive to reduce the pain by following some basic budgeting principles. By adhering to these principles, most physicians can eliminate the “too many days at the end of the month” syndrome and instead develop a foundation for building real wealth and security, even in difficult economic climates like we face today.

Three Budget Types

There are at least three major budget types. [1] A flexible budget is an expenditure cap that adjusts for changes in the volume of expense items. [2] A fixed budget does not. [3] Advancing to the next level of rigor, a zero-based budget starts with essential expenses and adds items until the money is gone. Regardless of type, budgets can be extremely effective if one uses them at home or the office in order to spot money troubles before they develop.

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Assessment

For the purpose of wealth building, medical professionals may think of a budget as a quantitative expression of an action plan. It is an integral part of the overall cost-control process for the individual, his or her family unit or one’s medical practice.

Read the entire article: http://www.podiatrytoday.com/essential-insights-on-successful-budgeting

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Selecting an Assisted-Living Facility

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Checklist for Financial Planners

[By Staff Reporters]

Thousands of boarding homes cater to the elderly. Their operators promise to provide at least a place to sleep and food to eat. Beyond that, the services and assistance offered will vary from facility to facility. This checklist will help the financial planner or his or her client find a facility that is appropriate in all respects to the client’s resources and needs. Unlike nursing homes, assisted-living facilities often operate without any scrutiny from public agencies. Furthermore, Medicaid often will not be a source of funds.

The Checklist

The items the financial planner and client should consider when selecting a facility are listed below.

      1.   Determine the client’s willingness to live in a group environment.

      2.   Avoid unlicensed facilities, particularly if Medicaid-provided services may be needed in the future.

      3.   Review the facility’s inspection report.

      4.   Review the facility’s service contract and house rules. Look for answers to the following questions:

            a.         Where will the resident live?

                        Are there any types of ownership rights?

                        What flexibility is there with respect to furnishings?

                        Will the same unit be available after a hospital stay?

            b.         What meals are included?

                        Will the facility provide appropriate meals and a special diet?

            c.         What form of transportation does the resident currently use?

                        What transportation is provided by the facility?

                        Can residents shop, dine, attend services or visit doctors?

            d.         What help does the facility provide during a medical emergency?

                        What type of staff training is provided or required? Is there 24-                        hour-a-day staffing?

            e.         What provisions are there for privacy? When are rooms cleaned and when can staff access the rooms?

            f.          What is the basic cost and what are the costs for extras?

                        What is included in each?

                        What provisions for fee increases are there?

            g.         Can a resident see his or her own doctor?

                        Does the facility offer transportation for appointments?

            h.         Who’s in charge of administering and scheduling medication?

                        Can medication and other supplies be purchased at the facility?

            i.          What happens if the resident’s health begins to fail?

                        Does the facility provide additional services to help with ADLs?

            j.          What is the procedure for transfers from one unit to another?

                        Does the resident have any opportunity to express an opinion?

            k.         What’s required if a contract is terminated by facility or resident?

                        What is the provision with respect to refunded fees?

                        Is there a required minimum stay?

Assessment

What have we missed?

Conclusion

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