What is GAAP?

HOW IT WORKS

By Dr. David E. Marcinko MBA CMP®

http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com

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SPONSOR: http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

As a new physician investor, it’s important to know the distinctions between like measurements because the market allows firms to advertise their numbers in ways not otherwise regulated. Often companies will publicize their numbers using either GAAP or non-GAAP measures. GAAP, or generally accepted accounting principles, outlines rules and conventions for reporting financial information. It is a means to standardize financial statements and ensure consistency in reporting.

When a company publicizes its earnings and includes non-GAAP figures, it means it wants to provide investors with an arguably more accurate depiction of the company’s health (for instance, by removing one-time items to smooth out earnings). However, the further a company deviates from GAAP standards, the more room is allocated for some creative accounting and manipulation.

When looking at a company that is publishing non-GAAP numbers, new physician investors should be wary of these pro forma statements, because they may differ greatly from what GAAP deems acceptable.

CITE: https://www.r2library.com/Resource/Title/0826102549

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The Core GAAP Principles

GAAP is set forth in 10 primary principles, as follows:

  1. Principle of consistency: This principle ensures that consistent standards are followed in financial reporting from period to period.
  2. Principle of permanent methods: Closely related to the previous principle is that of consistent procedures and practices being applied in accounting and financial reporting to allow comparison.
  3. Principle of non-compensation: This principle states that all aspects of an organization’s performance, whether positive or negative, are to be reported. In other words, it should not compensate (offset) a debt with an asset.
  4. Principle of prudence: All reporting of financial data is to be factual, reasonable, and not speculative.
  5. Principle of regularity: This principle means that all accountants are to consistently abide by the GAAP.
  6. Principle of sincerity: Accountants should perform and report with basic honesty and accuracy.
  7. Principle of good faith: Similar to the previous principle, this principle asserts that anyone involved in financial reporting is expected to be acting honestly and in good faith.
  8. Principle of materiality: All financial reporting should clearly disclose the organization’s genuine financial position.
  9. Principle of continuity: This principle states that all asset valuations in financial reporting are based on the assumption that the business or other entity will continue to operate going forward.
  10. Principle of periodicity: This principle refers to entities abiding by commonly accepted financial reporting periods, such as quarterly or annually.

Thank You

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America’s Safest Hospitals

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[Behind the Numbers]

[By Staff Reporters]56382989

Did you know that at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, it only takes 90 seconds to save a life? While all hospitals keep staff on-call for emergencies, Missouri Baptist has implemented a rapid response program through which anyone, even family members, can call a team of clinicians to the bedside of a distressed patient within 90 seconds.

An Idea from Down-Under

As seen in Forbes, January 27, 2009, Missouri Baptist imported the idea from Australia, with an overall emphasis on safety that is evident not only in its innovative programs, but also in its numbers.

The Internal Data

According to reported internal data, only 48% of patients die as would be expected given their diagnoses. With outcomes like these, it’s no surprise that Missouri Baptist was designated by HealthGrades, a private hospital rating company in Golden, Colo., as one of the safest in the country. In its seventh annual study of “quality and clinical excellence”, known as Behind the Numbers, HealthGrades identified 270 hospitals out of 5,000 that collectively had a 28% lower mortality rate and 8% lower complication rate than the national average. The list reflects the top 5% of hospitals nationwide.

About HealthGrades

The HealthGrades [NASDAQ: HGRD] site promotes the firm as a leading healthcare ratings organization, providing ranking and profiles of hospitals, nursing homes and physicians to consumers, corporations, health plans and other hospitals. Millions of consumers and hundreds of the nation’s largest employers, health plans and hospitals rely on HealthGrades’ independent ratings, consulting and products to make healthcare decisions based on the quality of care. Founded in 1999, the firm has over 160 employees www.HealthGrades.com

Assessment

Now, what ever happened to governmental reporting, the Joint Commission, etc? Of course, after the IOM Report on Crossing the Quality Chasm in 2001, this type of service may be more important than ever.

Link: quality-chasm3

Conclusion

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