Certified Hospital Cost Report Specialist (CHCRS)

Earning the Certified Hospital Cost Report Specialist

This training program includes an in-depth presentation of key components of hospital cost reporting, designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the financial processes and regulatory requirements involved. Additionally this course will provide strategies for you to consider and special classification scenarios your organization may qualify for that are intended to provide increased reimbursement based on your organizational characteristics. The program is recommended for and includes CFOs, controllers, reimbursement managers, directors and staff, accounting and finance staff, cost and budget staff, and consultants.

Program Enrollment

The CHCRS designation is earned and awarded upon successful completion of two prerequisite courses, hospital cost report training and CHCRS exam.

• Step 1 – Complete the two CHCRS program prerequisite courses.
  These courses can be taken in any order. A certificate is awarded on completion.
  • Prerequisite Course: Medicare Outpatient Reimbursement Fundamentals
    Cost: Member Included, Non-Member $99
  • Prerequisite Course: Medicare Inpatient Reimbursement Fundamentals
    Cost: Member Included, Non-Member $99
• Step 2 – Complete the HFMA hospital cost report training.
  There are two options available.
  • Option 1: Complete the HFMA hospital cost report online training courses*
    Cost: Member $349, Non-Member – $549.
    * HFMA hospital cost report training prerequisites: Successful completion of two prerequisite courses is required to enroll in the HFMA hospital cost report online training course.
  • Option 2: Complete the Forvis Mazars led virtual cost report training
    Fees apply.
    Completed Forvis Mazars training and interested in earning the CHCRS designation? Email [email protected]

• Step 3 – Successfully complete the CHCRS exam*.
  When you successfully complete the exam, you will be awarded the CHCRS CPE certificate, digital badge, and designation. Member Included, Non- Member – $200.
  * CHCRS Exam Prerequisites: Successful completion of two prerequisite courses and hospital cost report training is required to enroll in the CHCRS exam.

CHCRS Learning Objectives

• Understand the purpose of the cost report and its role in determining payments.
• Examine all the primary cost report worksheets.
• Understand the Medicare cost report settlement and the various settlement components.
• Explore the key factors in determining which Medicare Special Designations apply to your organization
• Identify various clinic types as well as strategies and advantages/disadvantages to your organization

Course Outline

• Course 1 – Hospital Cost Report
• Course 2 – Cost Report Overview
• Course 3 – Worksheet A 
• Course 4 – Worksheet B Part 1 and Part B-1
• Course 5 – Worksheet C 
• Course 6 – Medicare Payment Methodologies 
• Course 7 – Medicare Special Designations 
• Course 8 – Other Worksheets 
• Course 9 – Wage Index 
• Course 10 – Clinic Strategies 
• Course 11 – Understanding the Cost Report Submission and Settlement Processes

CHCRS Maintenance Requirements

HFMA members who have earned the CHCRS designation must maintain their certification every two years. To re-certify as a CHCRS you must review the CHCRS recertification course materials and successfully complete a short online assessment. Learn how to maintain your certification.