Inside HFMA: A new HFMA cost report certification will help build the next generation of cost report experts

Sam Antonios, MD, saw HFMA’s newly launched Certified Hospital Cost Report Specialist (CHCRS) certification as a way to build on previous training, but little did he know when enrolling that he’d be the first person to complete the training and pass the exam.

“When HFMA released a cost report resource and certification, I was particularly interested due to my prior experience attending a cost report workshop several years ago, which provided excellent insights into Medicare rules, structures, complementing general revenue cycle knowledge,” said Antonios, a Sunflower Kansas Chapter member. “As a physician committed to continuous learning, this resource has deepened my understanding of an often-underappreciated aspect of hospital functions.”

Industry requests for such a program were the impetus for the launch of the CHCRS, said Todd Nelson, HFMA’s director of professional practice and partner relationships.

“The CHCRS training is a strategy to help the healthcare industry build the next generation of cost report experts and provide a pathway to advance member careers,” Nelson said.

CHCRS details

The CHCRS certification is a collaboration between HFMA and Forvis-Mazars to replicate the global professional services networks’ two-day, in-person cost report course, which is also still available.

The training is recommended for CFOs, controllers, reimbursement managers, directors, accounting and finance staff, cost and budget staff and consultants. It features 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.

The designation is awarded upon successful completion of the CHCRS exam, which can be taken only after two prerequisites have also been successfully completed:

• Two courses that are free for members
• The fee-based hospital cost report training

HFMA certification response and further developments

The new CHCRS certification has been well received.

“The CHCRS is popular, with 55 people having enrolled in the training and 26 registering as of Nov. 14 to take the exam,” said Shirley Heavlin, HFMA’s certification operations manager.

But the CHCRS is not the only new certification HFMA has launched recently. The Certified Specialist Ambulatory Practice Management (CSAPM), which launched Oct. 21, has a focus on operational activities that enhance contemporary ambulatory practice management. Its prerequisites are “experience with management issues related to running a provider practice, including compliance, revenue cycle management and leadership,” according to the course description.

More than 100 people have enrolled in CSAPM training and 10 have registered for the exam.

“Listening to member feedback on educational needs is core to how HFMA creates new programs and adapts existing ones,” Nelson said. “Increasing member and industry value is at the core of everything we do.” 

For more information, visit HFMA’s certifications page.