HealthLink: How to crunch data to manage ER utilization and contain health costs
Emergency room overutilization is a prevailing problem for most employers. For example, looking at HealthLink’s book of business, almost invariably more than 65 percent of ER visits are for non-emergency reasons. They fall into the categories of disease and virus or symptom, such as headaches, gastroenteritis, sinusitis and influenza. “The cost of an average ER […]
FirstMerit Bank: How to guard against corporate check fraud
There are many ways for fraud to be committed against your organization, but corporate checks are one of the more popular attack methods. The problem is not a small one. Fraud against bank deposit accounts cost the industry $1.74 billion in losses in 2012, according to the American Bankers Association Deposit Account Fraud Survey. Of […]
SS&G: How to decipher the tax implications of health care reform
Health care reform news, and the ever-present talk of delays, has created confusion for employers and employees alike, but they still must consider certain tax issues for 2013 and 2014. “There’s so much information, you might ask yourself, ‘Where do I turn?’” says Kimberly Flett, CPA, QPA, QKA, director of retirement plan services at SS&G. […]
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter: How to negotiate and protect your interests as a franchisee tenant
Currently, franchises are an increasingly fast-growing segment of the retail industry, especially in the case of fast casual and quick service restaurants. But before jumping feet first into one, there are some pitfalls prospective franchisees need to navigate before taking advantage of a potential opportunity, says Ian R.D. Labitue, an associate with Kegler, Brown, Hill […]
Cendrowski Corporate Advisors: How to ensure you choose the right person to improve your legal case
Expert witnesses are frequently used in the courtroom by attorneys. While many qualified experts exist, the “right” expert can greatly assist counsel and the litigation with his or her testimony. An expert witness can offer testimony about a scientific, technical or professional issue in a court case. Finding the right expert is often a difficult […]
Health care real estate outlook: Patient interaction with health care providers shapes health care real estate trends
Most everyone is aware of the seismic changes occurring in the health care industry. While the implementation of the Affordable Care Act is garnering most of the attention, a fundamental shift is occurring in the health care real estate business. Buoyed by a perfect storm — providers are receiving lower reimbursements, construction costs are rising, […]
Sequent: Why business owners need engaged employees to maximize potential
Many companies talk about the need for employee engagement, but few are taking the necessary steps to engage their workforce. “While it’s a commonly used term, it’s not common practice. For example, 75 percent of leaders have no engagement strategy, yet 90 percent consider engagement to be a critical component of a company’s success,” says […]
Brouse McDowell: How to ensure your program doesn’t present legal problems
Benjamin Franklin once stated, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.” If he were alive today, he might include on his list of certainties an annual increase in health care costs for employers and employees. Smart Business spoke with Jonathan L. Stark, a partner at Brouse McDowell, regarding […]
Benefitdecisions: How hospitality businesses are addressing health care mandates
Restaurants, hotels and other hospitality companies that have not traditionally offered health insurance benefits to employees are struggling to meet the mandate to provide a plan or face penalties starting in 2015 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). That need has prompted the insurance industry to respond with cost-effective strategies to help companies with low-wage […]
Dave Fazekas: As the calendar changes, take the time to really understand your customer
As you set your New Year’s business objectives and goals, the bulk of your attention is probably focused on driving revenue growth, budgeting, cost control and other operational matters. But these are all part of a greater business purpose: To serve your customer. What better time than at the beginning of a new year […]