2013
Showing 113–128 of 735 results
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Business structure: The choice is yours
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: As year end nears, business owners have a variety of specific tax issues to consider. But it might be well to consider some big-picture matters as well — such as business structure. Three popular entity types — the C corporation, the S corporation and the limited liability company (LLC) — all limit their owners’ exposure to personal liability for company debts and obligations. But, as this article explains, there are some noteworthy differences between them.
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Is it time to streamline? New financial statement framework could be for you
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1033
Abstract: When it comes to reporting financial results, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) aren’t the only game in town. This past summer, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) released a new type of special purpose framework to ease financial reporting for smaller, privately held, owner-managed companies not required to follow GAAP. This article explains how this framework delivers data in a much more streamlined, less costly format, and discusses the ideal candidates for it. But a sidebar notes that the road to widespread acceptance will probably be slow.
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Practice Notes – Patient kiosks may be the wave of the future
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: In the future, patients may never need to check in with a receptionist to begin a physician visit. Instead, they’ll go to a computer station or pick up a tablet, and check in electronically to verify their personal information, identify medication or allergy changes, and determine insurance eligibility. When connected to EHRs and practice management systems, a kiosk can help streamline the front office, enhance clinical accuracy, and reduce billing errors and denied claims. This article lists some specific services that kiosks can offer, although it notes that kiosks won’t completely replace the need for staff.
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Beware: Malpractice lawsuits can derail your nest egg
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: Lawsuits run rampant in this nation, and that includes those filed against medical practices and physicians. While malpractice insurance is obviously an essential defense, physicians may also want to consider giving away assets via some simple strategies. This article examines three of them: family limited partnerships, the homestead exemption, and offshore trusts.
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Billing and collections – Harnessing best practices in claim denial management
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 708
Abstract: Claim denials are a huge financial drain on physician practices. If nothing is done to reverse a denial, the revenue that it represents is lost to the practice. Fortunately, there are some best practices that can help manage claims denied by payers. This article discusses how to keep a claim “clean” in the first place, how to respond to a claim denial, and how to prevent future denials. A sidebar looks at analyzing data to reveal the root causes of denials.
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The business imperatives of high-performing practices
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 806
Abstract: In the face of rapidly changing fiscal and regulatory conditions, physician practices must plan forcefully for the future. They need to focus management attention on the business areas of highest priority and set goals for their improvement. The greatest imperative is to strengthen the practice’s financial competencies, but it’s also essential to engage patients, upgrade clinical systems, improve interconnectivity and enhance data analytics. This article discusses strategies for achieving these goals, while a sidebar looks at a survey in which physicians rank their highest business imperatives.
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Ask the Advisor – How important is compliance with debt-related loan covenants?
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 423
Abstract: The commercial mortgage arena is far from rosy. Lenders don’t want to expose themselves to the types of losses they sustained when the real estate market crashed. To protect their interests, many lenders are insisting on the inclusion of debt-related loan covenants. Borrowers that violate them risk costly consequences. This article explains the difference between debt service coverage covenants and loan-to-value (LTV) covenants, along with the consequences of noncompliance.
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How to ensure your QI is on the up and up
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 604
Abstract: Qualified intermediaries (QIs), which are similar to escrow companies, play an important role in Section 1031 or like-kind exchanges. Unfortunately, however, many states simply don’t pay much attention to the QI industry. That’s why it’s crucial that those exchanging business or investment property thoroughly vet the QI before signing on the dotted line. This article explains how a QI works and what to look for in one when performing due diligence.
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Appellate court rules on lease obligations
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 602
Abstract: After a lessor conveyed its interest in a property to a new lessor, a tenant completed construction work the original lessor had been obligated to perform, and then sued the new lessor for the costs. This lessor defended itself by arguing that a side agreement it had entered into with the original lessor absolved it of any and all construction-related lease obligations owed to the tenant. This article explains why that argument didn’t pass muster with an appeals court. Bright Horizons Children’s Centers, Inc. v. Sturtevant, Inc. (Mass. App. 2012).
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Caveat emptor: You might just get what you pay for
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 924
Abstract: In today’s real estate market, it’s possible to still pick up investment properties at bargain basement prices. But what may seem like a good deal could cost much more than meets the eye. This article looks at a number of factors that should be considered besides the purchase price. These include tenant lease terms; zoning and code compliance; maintenance and carrying costs; judgments, claims and liens; environmental concerns; and platting issues. A sidebar discusses the downside of reduced or free rental arrangements.
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Newsbits – Who gives big gifts?
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 404
Abstract: This issue’s “Newsbits” looks at a study indicating that donations of $1 million or more come mostly from local donors. It also discusses a new rule from the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) addressing the proper accounting for services received from personnel of an affiliate for which the affiliate doesn’t seek compensation. Also discussed is a new website from an organization that’s dedicated to preserving the tax deduction for those who give to charities.
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Managing staff – How to treat the real gems of your organization
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: In the recent tough economic times, many nonprofits froze wages, awarded minimum pay increases and/or cut benefits, all the while asking employees to take on new responsibilities. Though such moves may have been necessary, it’s important to not lose sight of the importance of staff, from hiring and training them to rewarding them for their performance. This article explains how to motivate staff in ways that aren’t too hard on the budget.
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Is it time for “software as a service”?
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 630
Abstract: Nonprofits increasingly are following the path of their for-profit cousins and shunning traditional software arrangements for “software as a service” (SaaS) provided over the Internet for a monthly fee. The potential benefits make SaaS worth considering for nonprofits of all sizes, but some caveats are in order. This article discusses the increased efficiencies and security SaaS can provide, but also notes potential problems regarding availability of data and the long-term costs.
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Building a better audit committee – Start with a clear picture of its roles and responsibilities
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 800
Abstract: Many nonprofits have started their own audit committees over the past decade, but have learned the hard way that good intentions aren’t enough to ensure an effective committee — both the nonprofit and committee members must fully understand the committee’s role and responsibilities. This article describes the purpose of an audit committee and its responsibilities in overseeing financial reporting and risk management and in interacting with outside auditors. A sidebar notes the importance of committee members having strong financial expertise.
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Are you prepared to be an executor?
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 311
Abstract: Being asked to be an executor might be considered an honor, but many responsibilities are involved. This brief article describes those responsibilities and what a person should do if they accept the challenge but find that they can’t handle everything.
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Sign of the times – Members of the Sandwich Generation face unique circumstances
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: Those who find themselves raising children, saving for their own retirement, and helping to care for or support aging parents can consider themselves members of the “Sandwich Generation.” Although it may be personally gratifying to be able to help one’s parents, it can be stressful and financially burdensome. But this article shows that careful planning and tax breaks may help.